Colorectal tumors are a serious health concern, but with the right treatment, many individuals can successfully manage and overcome this condition. With advancements in medical technology, there are now numerous effective treatment options available. From traditional surgical interventions to innovative targeted therapies, the possibilities are diverse.
This article will discuss different medical treatments for colorectal tumors, providing valuable information to help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your healthcare journey.
What Are Colorectal Tumors?
Colorectal tumors Singapore are abnormal growths that develop in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine in the digestive system. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumors, often called polyps, are usually harmless but can potentially develop into cancer over time if left untreated. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, are cancerous and can invade nearby tissues or spread to different parts of the body, leading to colorectal cancer and cancer death.
Treatments For Colorectal Tumors
Colorectal tumors, which can lead to colorectal cancer if malignant, can be treated with various medical approaches depending on the tumor’s stage, location, and other factors. Here are different colon cancer treatments commonly used:
Surgery
Surgery is often the primary treatment for colorectal tumors, especially in the early stages. There are several surgical options that your healthcare provider can suggest depending on the tumor’s size and location. A polypectomy or local excision can be performed during a colon cancer screening for early-stage tumors or colorectal polyps. For larger tumors, a colectomy, which involves the partial or complete removal of the colon, may be necessary. Additionally, laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive approach, can be an option for early-stage colorectal cancer, offering quicker recovery and less pain compared to traditional open surgery.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a common colorectal cancer treatment, often used in combination with surgery. External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) involves targeting the tumor from outside the body and is typically used before or after surgery to shrink tumors or eliminate residual cancer cells. Another form of radiation therapy is brachytherapy, which delivers radiation directly to the tumor site.
This localized approach can be effective in reducing the tumor’s size while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy plays a crucial role in treating colorectal tumors, especially in more advanced stages. Adjuvant chemotherapy is administered after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of colorectal cancer recurrence. On the other hand, neoadjuvant chemotherapy is given before surgery to shrink tumors, making them easier to remove. For patients with advanced-stage colon cancer, systemic chemotherapy targets cancer cells throughout the body, offering a way to control the disease and alleviate symptoms.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a colon cancer treatment approach that focuses on specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth and survival. Monoclonal antibodies are one of the common types of targeted therapy designed to target specific proteins in cancer cells. For example, bevacizumab targets the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), while cetuximab targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Another form of targeted therapy for chronic conditions involves small molecule inhibitors, which block pathways critical for cancer cell survival, such as BRAF inhibitors used in tumors with specific mutations.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy leverages the body’s immune system to fight colorectal cancer. Checkpoint inhibitors are a class of drugs, such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab, that help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. These therapies are particularly effective in tumors with high microsatellite instability (MSI-H), medical conditions that make them more susceptible to immune system attacks. Immunotherapy offers hope for patients with specific genetic profiles, providing an option when traditional therapies may be less effective.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat small, localized colorectal tumors. During RFA, a probe is inserted into the tumor, delivering heat that destroys cancer cells. This technique is beneficial for patients who are not candidates for surgery or when the tumor is small and confined. RFA offers a targeted approach with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissues, making it an effective option for the onset of colorectal cancer.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is another less common but effective treatment plan for certain small colorectal tumors. This procedure involves using extreme cold to freeze and destroy cancer cells. While cryotherapy is less widely used than other treatments, it can be a valuable option for patients with localized tumors where traditional surgery is not feasible or desired.
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT)
SBRT is a highly precise form of radiation therapy that delivers intense doses of radiation directly to the tumor. This technique is particularly beneficial for patients with inoperable tumors or those who cannot undergo surgery.
SBRT’s precision allows for the maximum impact on the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues, making it an attractive option for managing certain colorectal tumors.
Interventional Endoscopy
Interventional endoscopy encompasses advanced techniques like Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) and Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD), which are used to remove larger polyps or early-stage tumors during an endoscopy. These procedures offer a minimally invasive approach to tumor removal, reducing the need for more extensive surgery and promoting faster recovery. They are particularly effective for tumors that are detected in the early diagnosis and have not spread beyond the mucosal layers of the colon.
Conclusion
The journey of managing colorectal tumors can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone. With advancements in medical technology, there are now numerous effective treatment options available for colorectal cancer cases. Fortunately, by understanding these options and working closely with your medical team, you can take proactive steps toward managing and overcoming colorectal tumors and be one of the cancer survivors who live for a longer time.