Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, affecting over 90,000 people every year. Although the exact cause of colon cancer is unknown, most of these cancers are believed to develop from polyps that can be present within the colon for years prior to their evolution into cancer. Identification and removal of these polyps through colorectal cancer screening can largely prevent the development of these cancers. Patients can present symptoms of colon cancer, such as anemia, bleeding from the lower gastrointestinal tract or changes in bowel habits.
The mainstay of treatment of colon cancer is surgical. The segment of colon that contains the cancer is surgically removed and the remaining ends of the bowel are reattached so that bowel integrity is maintained. Depending on the pathological examination of the specimen some patients may increase their chances of cure by receiving additional therapy, such as chemotherapy. This decision is made in collaboration with colleagues in medical oncology. Many patients are cured of their colon cancer. Specific likelihood of cure varies on an individual basis.
 | | Narrow segment of the colon from colon cancer
Surgery is required to cure the cancer and to relieve the obstruction of the bowel. Click for larger image |
Colon Cancer Procedures
Laparoscopic Procedures
 | | Laparascopically Assisted Right Colectomy
Laparoscopically-assisted approaches to colon surgery can be done for patients with certain kinds of colonic pathology. Problems of the right colon and of the sigmoid colon are the best areas for the laparoscopically-assisted approach. Click for larger image |
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 | | Right Colectomy Click for larger image |
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