The presence of tumor cells in the large intestine is often referred to as colon or colorectal cancer. The condition occurs due to several factors, including genetic mutation, chronic inflammatory diseases like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. It can be treated easily if found in the early stages. Here are some of the treatment options for colon cancer that help in managing its spread and improving the condition.

1 .  Surgical procedure
The most common treatment options for colon cancer adopted by medical practitioners consist of surgery. The procedure entails eliminating the infected portion as well as the surrounding area to prevent its spread. This type of surgery is also known as a colectomy. The other procedures that are an option are laparoscopic surgery, palliative surgery as well as endoscopy. Laparoscopic surgery aims to create multiple small incisions along the abdomen and eliminates larger polyps. An endoscopy aims to eliminate small, localized tumors through a device comprising of a thin, flexible tube attached with a camera and light. The equipment even features a special attachment to remove malignant tissues. Moreover, when cancer reaches a more advanced stage, palliative surgery is undertaken, wherein the surgeon aims to mitigate any blockage present along the colon. Even this surgery aims to control bleeding, pain, as well as other symptoms.

2. Radiation therapy
Among the various treatment options for colon cancer available, this procedure aims to destroy cancer cells by utilizing powerful gamma rays. It is undertaken both externally and internally through machines and radioactive materials. Furthermore, this procedure also proves effective alongside alternative cancer treatments adopted by medical practitioners to treat the condition.

3. Chemotherapy
This procedure involves the usage of certain medications to kill malignant cells. It is administered to colon cancer patients post-surgery and only when cancer has spread to a larger area or has reached the lymph nodes. Additionally, the procedure is also adopted to reduce the symptoms of the disease when surgery is not possible. Furthermore, chemotherapy proves effective in reducing the size of large tumors, for easy removal through surgery.

4. Targeted therapy
The treatment plan is adopted in advanced stages and aims to destroy only cancer cells and not healthy tissues surrounding the area. Targeted therapy can be used either individually or in combination with other cancer treatment options like chemotherapy.

5. Immunotherapy
One of the newest treatment options for colon cancer, it comprises of various procedures that encourage and make use of the body’s immune system to ward off cancer cells.

The above are some of the most popular treatment options for colon cancer adopted by medical practitioners. However, the type of treatment that will prove most effective depends on the stage, size, as well as the severity of the disease.