Cancer of the colon or rectum is diagnosed in about 130,000 people per year, more commonly affecting men. The diagnosis is usually made by colonoscopy performed for screening, or to evaluate symptoms such as rectal bleeding, anemia, or change in bowel pattern.

Once the diagnosis is made, the patient is “staged” by testing for metastasis. Chest X-rays and CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis are routinely used for this purpose.

Resection of the portion of the colon involved is then performed including a lymph node removal. The stage of the cancer will also depend on evaluation of the specimen to evaluate the size and depth on invasion of the tumor and the number of positive lymph nodes. Post-operative chemotherapy may be needed if the nodes are positive.

Our practice places a strong emphasis on the care of patients with colorectal cancer and also patients with colon polyps not amenable to Endoscopic removal. This includes pre-operative education of the patient, decision-making, operative skill, and post-operative care.

We understand that it is scary to receive a diagnosis of colon cancer and do everything possible to alleviate the patient’s fears and provide excellent care in all phases of the process.

For more details about the surgical options, details of the procedure and recovery, please schedule an appointment with one of our surgeons.