In stage 0, it is often sufficient to remove the tumor during an endoscopic resection. As with a colonoscopy, a camera, as well as surgical instruments are inserted into the bowel via a tube. Then, only the affected area is surgically removed, the rest of the intestine remains intact.
In all other stages, patients usually have to undergo hemicolectomy surgery to remove as much of the colorectal cancer as possible. Surgery is the current standard procedure in colon cancer therapy and the most important therapeutic measure. During the operation, the part of the bowel affected by the cancer, the associated lymph channels and lymph nodes, as well as a sufficient amount of the surrounding healthy intestinal tissue are removed. Following surgery, the removed section of the bowel is examined in detail. The findings are then discussed by specialist physicians in order to determine the most effective treatment for the colon cancer.
As part of colon cancer therapy (colon carcinoma), chemotherapy following surgery can improve the success of treatment and secure it in the long term. This is particularly recommended for patients in stage III, when the cancer has already affected the surrounding lymph nodes. Patients in stage II can also benefit from chemotherapy.
As part of rectal cancer therapy, radiation chemotherapy or short-term radiotherapy is recommended before surgery. These are mainly used in stages II and III if the cancer is located in the middle or lower part of the rectum. These treatments are intended to shrink the tumor before surgery and reduce the risk of recurrence. Experts recommend radiation chemotherapy or, if necessary, chemotherapy after surgery (so-called “adjuvant therapy”) if the upper rectal area is affected, if the risk of recurrence is high or if this has not been carried out beforehand.
