Treatment Options for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is a commonly affecting cancer that can cause severe gastrointestinal problems in individuals. The silence in the early phase of the cancer will cause it to spread without any clues in the patients. It is crucial to get an appropriate treatment to prevent organ damage and life-threatening risks in colorectal cancer patients. In this article, we will explore various treatment options that are available to treat colorectal cancer in patients.

What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that can cause abnormal growth of cells in the colon or rectum of the individual. Over a period of time, this can spread into the liver, lungs, or other parts of the body if it is left untreated and can develop into a metastatic stage of colorectal cancer.

Symptoms Of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Metastatic colorectal cancer can cause the following symptoms which are given below:

1. Changes in bowel habits: Patients may experience a change in bowel habits, which can lead to loss of appetite during colorectal cancer
2. Diarrhea: Individuals may experience diarrhea or watery stool during excretion.
3. Constipation: The patient may experience constipation or tightness in the excretion of the stool.
4. Difficulties in emptying the bowel: Patients may experience difficulty in excreting the waste.
5. Changes in the stool: The patient may experience blood in the stool or excrete a bright red blood stool from the rectum
6. Abdominal pain and bloating: Individuals may have abdominal pain or gas formation in the stomach.
7. Fatigue or tiredness: You may experience unexplained fatigue or tiredness during colorectal cancer.
8. Unexplained weight loss: Patients may experience a sudden weight loss without trying any weight loss activities.

Diagnosis method for colorectal cancer

1. Imaging techniques: Doctors use various imaging techniques like CT scans, MRI scans, ultrasound, X-rays, and PET scans to identify colorectal cancer. These methods help them see inside the body and pinpoint any signs of the disease.
2. Biopsy: It is an effective tool that removes a piece of affected colorectal cell from the body and confirms the presence of cancer in one part or another part of the body.

Treatment options for metastatic colorectal cancer

1. Surgery: Surgery is the primary option for treating metastatic colon cancer in its advanced stage. Your doctor or surgeon is involved in removing the affected part in the colon or rectum. Sometimes, they might recommend you do a partial or total colostomy, which involves the removal of a part or full portion of the large intestine to treat colorectal cancer in patients.
2. Chemotherapy: It is a form of cancer treatment that involves anticancer medicines to treat and kill cancer cells. It is often used as a combination therapy along with surgery. Medicines like capecitabine (Xeloda 500mg Tablet), fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin are effective in treating colorectal cancer patients.
3. Radiotherapy: It involves the application of radioactive beams to treat the cancer cells in patients. This technique can also be used in combination with surgery or embolisation procedures (minimal invasive procedure to stop the blood flow to the cancer cells).
4. Target therapies: It is a special type of treatment which involves medications to selectively target and kill the cancer cells. Some medications will target the VEGF or EGFR protein in the individuals which is responsible for the growth of the cancer in colorectal cancer patients.
5. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps boost our body’s immune system to fight against cancer cells. It will help to treat cancer, which can be caused by genetic changes in the cells.
6. Palliative care: It is all about helping patients feel better by easing their symptoms, relieving pain, and improving their overall well-being as they deal with advanced colorectal cancer.

EndNotes!

Metastatic cancer is an advanced stage of colorectal cancer that needs advanced treatment to prevent the death of the individual. Teaching people about colorectal cancer symptoms and catching it early can help stop it from spreading. Ongoing research into metastatic colorectal cancer gives hope for better survival and a better life for patients, possibly without needing to remove organs.