Colon cancer is a condition in which abnormal tissue growths called polyps turn into cancerous cells anywhere in the inside of the five-foot long colon or large intestine, located in the last part of the digestive tract. When cancer has extended to the rectum area, colon cancer is also referred to as colorectal cancer. Although polyps can also be benign, over time, they can turn into colon cancer, which is why it’s important to have regular screening.
Several treatment options are available for colon cancer, depending on the malignancy’s location, growth stage, and any underlying health conditions. The most common procedures are surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.
Surgeons perform surgical resection, the most common form of treatment for colon cancer, to remove the polyps and some of the healthy tissue surrounding them. Based on the size and extent of the polyps, surgery can be of three types:
Radiation therapy uses high-powered x-rays in a targeted manner to destroy malignant cells. Doctors may use radiation when there are small areas of cancer that are not operable to remove the malignancy entirely. Doctors may also use radiation to reduce tumor size to make them operable. After colon cancer surgery, doctors may use radiation to ensure no cancer cells remain to spread to other areas of the body.
Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to destroy cells that multiply rapidly, such as cancer cells. It may be used before surgery to reduce tumor size or after surgery to remove any remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy is especially helpful in targeting cancer cells that have spread beyond the colon.
In advanced stages of colon cancer, oncologists often use targeted therapy by identifying specific cancer genes and proteins and then hitting them with drugs. This therapy blocks cancer growth with minimal damage to healthy cells.
Unlike other forms of colon cancer or colorectal cancer treatment that target malignancy, immunotherapy uses drugs to enhance the body’s immune system and its capabilities to attack cancer. Also known as biologic therapy, immunotherapy is generally used in cases of advanced colon cancer to restore and improve the immune system.
Colon Cancer Surgery Cost In India: The actual cost of colon cancer surgery in India will depend on the surgery type. Many top hospitals with experienced doctors perform colon cancer surgery.
Colorectal Surgery Cost India: The cost of colorectal surgery is in the range of USD 4,500. Specific pricing depends on the extent of cancer and any additional colorectal cancer treatments required.
Average Cost For Colon Cancer Treatment In India: The average cost of colon cancer treatment depends on the forms of treatment that the oncologist has prescribed based on the patient’s health condition and stage of colon cancer.
