Southlake, TX, August 14, 2019 – Coloncancer treatment is mainly based on the cancer’s stage, among other factors. If the cancer has not spread to other areas, surgery may be preferable. Chemotherapy may be used following surgery, and is usually known as adjuvant treatment. Typically, adjuvant treatment is administered after six months.

“Usually, colorectal cancer grows gradually over a span of years. Most cases start as small, benign (noncancerous) polyps, which have ability to become cancerous”, says Dr Echt. “Not all polyps change into cancer. For instance, inflammatory and hyperplastic polyps are not pre-cancerous.”

To treat colorectal cancer, doctors use the following surgical options:

• Laparoscopic surgery: During this technique, surgeons administer anesthesia to a patient before passing various viewing scopes into the abdomen. The surgeons then make small incisions followed by a shorter recovery time.

• Colostomy: In this approach, a surgeon makes a stoma or opening where the colon is linked to the abdominal surface, providing a pathway for the waste to leave the body. The patient wears a pouch that helps to collect the waste. The colostomy may be temporary or permanent.

• Radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation: This method involves heating lung or liver tumors using radiofrequency waves known as RFA. It may also include freezing tumors through a process called cryoablation.

“Before undergoing surgery, consult your health care team on the potential side effects of a particular surgery. Also, ask how such side effects may be relieved or prevented,” explains Dr Echt. “Generally, surgery may cause tenderness and pain in the area of operation. Other side effects include diarrhea and constipation, but that usually goes away after a short time.”

About Southlake Oncology
Southlake Oncology, located in the Southlake and Grapevine area is a community-focused oncology practice that delivers exceptional care to North Texas cancer patients with a variety of cancer diagnoses and blood disorders. Like the other Choice Cancer Care facilities, we are an independent treatment center that is physician-owned.