COLON CANCER

Colon (or colorectal) cancer is one of the most common cancers with a good prognosis if detected and treated early.

 

It usually begins as a tissue growth, called a polyp, that grows and changes with time. Polyps are usually harmless and do not cause any symptoms when they are small, but over time they may cause problems of bleeding, obstruction and become cancerous. Detection and removal of polyps through colonoscopy may prevent the development of colorectal cancer.

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If you experience changes in your bowel habits and /or symptoms, like blood in stools, diarrhoea or constipation that does not go away, it is advisable for you to undergo investigations of these symptoms. There are various methods of evaluating the colon and rectum. A colonoscopy allows both the detection of any abnormality within the colon and rectum, and also enables the removal of polyps at the same sitting. Individuals who do not have any symptoms but have a family history of colorectal or other cancers or one who is above 50 years of age are encouraged to be screened for colorectal cancer.

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Colorectal cancer survival rates have increased over the past 15 years with early diagnosis, as well as improved and less invasive multidisciplinary treatment.

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In some cases, chemotherapy and radiotherapy may be recommended as part of your colorectal cancer treatment. We will coordinate your treatment with specialised medical and radiation oncologists to ensure you receive the most effective management for your colorectal cancer, in order to achieve the best outcome possible.

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At Melissa Teo Surgery and The Surgical Oncology Clinic, your colorectal cancer treatment is personalised to provide the best outcomes. We offer treatments for colorectal cancer, including minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. In all cases, we strive for surgical excellence with complete tumour clearance and low post-surgical complication rates. Additionally, we have special expertise and experience in treating advanced colorectal cancer. This includes advanced primary and recurrent tumours requiring resection of multiple involved organs, as well as peritoneal disease with the use of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS and HIPEC).