You may want to ask your doctor some of the following questions: How long will it take for me to get better and feel more like myself? What kind of care should I expect after my treatment?
- What surgery do you recommend for me and why?
- Will I need other treatments before or after surgery?
- How long will I be in the hospital?
- When will I know the results of my surgery?
- What are the risks and side effects I might experience?
What questions should I ask my doctor about surgery for colon cancer?
You may have many questions if your care team recommends surgery for colon cancer. This checklist is a good place to start. You may want to print this and bring it to your doctor. What surgery do you recommend for me and why? Will I need other treatments before or after surgery?
What are the treatments for intestinal cancer?
Surgery is the most common treatment for intestinal cancer. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America ® (CTCA), experienced surgical oncologists perform surgery to remove tumors and the cancerous portion of the small intestine. In some cases, the following procedures may also be appropriate:
When is palliative surgery used to treat small intestine cancer?
Palliative procedures may be used in advanced cases of small intestine cancer, when surgery to remove the cancer may not be an option because the disease is too widespread. To relieve symptoms such as pain and nausea caused when a tumor is blocking the small intestine, palliative surgery may be performed to help patients feel more comfortable.
Can intestinal tumors be removed by surgery?
Some intestinal tumors may be completely removed by surgery, although the type of surgery performed may vary depending on the tumor’s location. These tumors are called “resectable.”
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What questions should I ask after colon cancer surgery?
After treatmentDo I need a special diet after treatment?Are there any limits on what I can do?What symptoms should I watch for?What kind of exercise should I do now?What type of follow-up will I need after treatment?How often will I need to have follow-up exams and imaging tests?More items...•
What questions should I ask about bowel cancer?
We have suggested some possible questions here: How advanced is my bowel cancer? What happens next? Who do I need to see and when? What are my treatment choices?
What should I ask my surgical oncologist?
10 Cancer Questions for Your Surgeon or Surgical OncologistWhy are you recommending this surgery for me? ... What will this surgery accomplish, exactly? ... What are the risks of this operation?How should I prepare for this surgery?What will happen during the procedure?How long will I need to stay in the hospital?More items...•
How long does it take to get over bowel cancer surgery?
This is a general overview of what to expect. Your recovery time after the operation will depend on your age, whether you had keyhole or open surgery and your general health. You will probably be in hospital for 4–7 days, but it can take 2–3 months to fully recover.
What questions should I ask my surgeon before colon surgery?
7 Questions to Ask before Colon Cancer SurgeryWhat surgery do you recommend for me and why?Will I need other treatments before or after surgery?How long will I be in the hospital?When will I know the results of my surgery?What are the risks and side effects I might experience?More items...
What is the success rate of colon surgery?
The five-year relative survival rates for the open colectomy and National Cancer Data Base groups were 75 and 70 percent, respectively, for Stage I, 65 and 60 percent for Stage II, 46 and 44 percent for Stage III, and 11 and 7 percent for Stage IV.
How do I talk to an oncologist?
Improve Communication With Your OncologistEstablish goals for the conversation. ... Don't ask “yes” or “no” questions. ... Listen and repeat. ... Don't keep secrets. ... Be clear about what matters in your life. ... Don't leave an appointment without “next steps.” This is especially true when we're getting bad news.More items...•
What questions should I ask my chemo doctor?
Questions to Ask About ChemotherapyWhich chemo drugs will I be given?How will the drugs be given to me?How often will I need to get chemo?How long will my treatments last?Where will I get chemo?What's the goal of chemo for my cancer?What are the chances that the chemo will work?More items...•
How often should you see your oncologist during treatment?
In general, people return to the doctor for follow-up appointments every 3 to 4 months during the first 2 to 3 years after treatment, and once or twice a year after that.
How long do you live after bowel cancer surgery?
If the cancer has spread into the liver and the surgeon can remove it, more than 40 out of 100 people (more than 40%) will survive their cancer for 5 years or more after their operation.
What happens after surgery for bowel cancer?
There is a risk of problems or complications after any operation. Possible problems after bowel cancer surgery include a leak where the surgeon has joined the ends of your colon together, or your bowel not working properly. Other possible problems include infection, blood clots and bleeding.
What is the fastest way to recover from bowel surgery?
How can you care for yourself at home?Rest when you feel tired. ... Try to walk each day. ... Avoid strenuous activities, such as biking, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay.Ask your doctor when you can drive again.You will probably need to take 3 to 4 weeks off from work.More items...
What is the treatment for colon cancer?
Surgery is only one component in the treatment of colon cancer and is often followed by adjuvant chemotherapy to cleanse the body of micrometastases. Hemicolectomy: A hemicolectomy (radical resection) is currently the standard surgical procedure used ...
What is operative intervention for colon cancer?
In the majority of such cases, operative intervention involves a resection (removal) of the primary cancer and regional lymph nodes, along with the removal of sections of normal bowel on both sides of the cancer. There are several different types of surgical procedures used in the treatment and management of colon cancer.
What is hemicolectomy surgery?
A hemicolectomy is an invasive surgery that requires surgeons to create a large opening in the abdomen in order to reach the cancer. During a hemicolectomy, the cancer, and a margin of normal bowel and lymph nodes on all sides of the cancer are removed. The two cut ends of the colon are then sewn back together.
What is the procedure to remove colon cancer?
Hemicolectomy: A hemicolectomy (radical resection) is currently the standard surgical procedure used to remove colon cancer. A hemicolectomy is recommended for cancers at high risk for recurrence, which is the case for most cancers of the colon. A hemicolectomy is an invasive surgery that requires surgeons to create a large opening in ...
What is a colonoscopy tube?
During a colonoscopy, a long flexible tube that is attached to a camera is inserted through the rectum, and is used both to view the internal lining of the colon and to perform a local excision. A properly performed local excision can be a safe and effective procedure. Palliative Surgery: Palliative treatment is treatment ...
How long does colon cancer last?
Approximately 20% of patients with colon cancer already have distant metastases at the time of diagnosis. Since the 5-year survival rate in this group of patients is only five percent, palliative colon resection is generally recommended to prevent bleeding, obstruction and symptoms related to local organ invasion.
What is the term for the opening of the large intestine that allows passage of stool into a replaceable bag
The two cut ends of the colon are then sewn back together. In some instances, a colostomy is created and the two ends of the colon are reconnected at a later time. A colostomy is an opening where the large intestine is attached to the abdominal wall and allows passage of stool into a replaceable bag.
Who can answer your questions about recovery times?
Keep in mind that doctors aren’t the only ones who can give you information. Other health care professionals, such as nurses and social workers, can answer some of your questions.
Why is it important to have honest, open discussions with your cancer care team?
It’s important to have honest, open discussions with your cancer care team. They want to answer all of your questions, so that you can make informed treatment and life decisions. For instance, consider these questions:
Stomach Cancer: Questions to Ask the Health Care Team
ON THIS PAGE: You will find some questions to ask your doctor or other members of the health care team, to help you better understand your diagnosis, treatment plan, and overall care. Use the menu to see other pages.
Questions to ask about planning follow-up care
What is the chance that the cancer will come back? Should I watch for specific signs or symptoms?
Colorectal Cancer: Questions to Ask the Health Care Team
ON THIS PAGE: You will find some questions to ask your doctor or other members of the health care team, to help you better understand your diagnosis, treatment plan, and overall care. Use the menu to see other pages.
Questions to ask after surgery
What is my diagnosis based on the results of surgery and biopsy reports, in TNM staging format?
Questions to ask about planning follow-up care
What is the chance that the cancer will come back? Should I watch for specific signs or symptoms?
What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
As the cancer grows, symptoms may include abdominal pain or cramps; constipation or diarrhea; blood in the stool; bloating or a sense of not feeling empty after a bowel movement; flattened or ribbon-shaped stool and/or pain in the rectum. Signs of advanced colorectal cancer may include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, anemia and loss of appetite.
What is the procedure to remove a colon?
Colectomy: This surgery removes all or part of the colon. Colostomy: In this procedure, the colon is connected to a hole in the abdomen (called a stoma) to divert stool away from a damaged or surgically repaired part of the colon or rectum. Some colostomies may be reversed once the repaired tissue heals.
Why are colon and rectum cancer grouped together?
The two cancers are grouped together because they share many common characteristics. Together, the colon and rectum make up the large intestine, a question mark-shaped bowel four feet in length. Colon cancer develops in all but the last few inches of the large intestine, between the appendix and rectum. Rectal cancer develops in the rectum, the ...
How many stages of colorectal cancer are there?
There are five stages of colorectal cancer. Stage 0, the earliest stage, is used to describe cancer that is confined to the inner lining of the large intestine. Stage IV, the most advanced stage, describes cancer that has metastasized, or spread, beyond the colon to other parts of the body.
What percentage of colorectal cancers are caused by MSI-H mutations?
MSI-H mutations are found in about 15 percent of colorectal tumors and in 90 percent of colorectal cancers in patients with Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition that elevates the risk for some cancers.
What kind of doctor does colonoscopy?
Your colorectal cancer care team may include one or more of these doctors: Gastroenterologist, a doctor who specializes in the digestive system (and is most likely to perform your colonoscopy) Radiation oncologist, a physician who uses radiation therapy to treat cancer.
How old is the average person diagnosed with colorectal cancer?
The median age of a person diagnosed with colorectal cancer is 68. And more men do get colorectal cancer than women. But women also are at risk. In fact, the rate of new cases among men is 47 per 100,000, while the rate for women is 36 per 100,000.
What to consider before cancer treatment?
During the often-narrow window of opportunity before cancer treatment begins, you should have a chance to consider fertility preservation options . Embryo or sperm banking, for example, or shielding pelvic and genital regions during radiation therapy, are among techniques for the reproductive specialist to address.
What are the treatment options for cancer?
Cancer treatment choices may include surgery, traditional chemotherapy, targeted medications, radiation or immunotherapy as standalone or combination treatments. Clinical pathways and physician guidelines include treatment recommendations for most types of cancer based on disease stage and other factors.
What tests are done to check for prostate cancer?
With active surveillance, men may undergo periodic blood tests to measure prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, along with other tests such as digital rectal exams, imaging scans or prostate biopsies to make sure cancer is staying well under control.
What is prostate cancer?
For instance, prostate cancer is a condition for which your doctor may recommend active surveillance or close observation to monitor the spread of disease. Your doctor will discuss these options based on whether your cancer is causing symptoms, on how fast or slowly it’s expected to grow and its size and location.
What to bring to a primary care appointment?
To get organized, it helps to be told what to bring – such as insurance cards, test results and reports or contact information for your primary care physician and other doctors you've seen. The American Society of Clinical Oncology offers a comprehensive list of preparatory questions to ask about your appointment.
Can you have a one time consultation with a cancer specialist?
If you don’t have local access to a specialty cancer center or academic medical center, you may still be able to benefit from that level of expertise through a one-time consultation. Your doctor may even have a suggestion of where to refer you for another opinion.
Can a standard treatment plan exist?
However, each patient's diagnosis is unique, so a standard treatment option may not exist. Making decisions with your physician and having a treatment plan in place can help restore your sense of control. Whether you also want to do an independent, online information search is entirely up to you.
What is the most common treatment for intestinal cancer?
Surgery is the most common treatment for intestinal cancer. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America ® (CTCA), experienced surgical oncologists perform surgery to remove tumors and the cancerous portion of the small intestine.
What are the side effects of chemotherapy for small intestine cancer?
Potential side effects of chemotherapy may include nausea, vomiting, hair loss and mouth sores.
What happens if a tumor blocks a passage in the small intestine?
For example, if a tumor blocks a passage in the small intestine, surgery may be performed to insert a small tube that bypasses the tumor, creating an opening from the stomach to the other end of the small intestine or to the large intestine. This enables you to continue to eat normally and digest food.
What is the Whipple procedure?
Whipple procedure is most often performed as a treatment for pancreatic cancer. This complex surgical procedure is also used to treat cancer in the duodenum, the upper portion of the small intestine. The duodenum is where most small intestine cancers develop.
Which organs are connected to the pancreas?
Then, the remaining portions of the pancreas, small intestine and bile duct are connected. This allows bile from the liver to continue to drain into the small intestine, enabling digestion. This treatment for intestinal cancer does have potential risks for complications.
Can you have palliative surgery for small intestine cancer?
Palliative procedures may be used in advanced cases of small intestine cancer, when surgery to remove the cancer may not be an option because the disease is too widespread.
Can you take pre-meds for intestinal cancer?
Your care team may recommend multiple measures to help reduce or manage chemotherapy-related symptoms. Prior to receiving chemotherapy for intestinal cancer, you may receive pre-medications to help make side effects more tolerable.
When You’Re Told You Have A Small Intestine Cancer
- What type of small intestine cancerdo I have? How might this affect my treatment and outlook?
- Where is the cancer located?
- What is the stage(extent) of my cancer, and what does that mean for me?
- Will I need any other testsbefore we consider treatment options?
When Deciding on A Treatment Plan
- How much experience do you have treating this type of cancer?
- What are my treatment options?
- What do you recommend and why?
- What is the goal of the treatment?
During Treatment
- Once treatment begins, you’ll need to know what to expect and what to look for. Not all of these questions may apply to you, but getting answers to the ones that do may be helpful. 1. How will we know if the treatment is working? 2. Is there anything I can do to help manage side effects? 3. What symptoms or side effects should I tell you about righ...
After Treatment
- Are there any limits on what I can do?
- What symptoms should I watch for?
- What type of follow-upwill I need after treatment?
- How will we know if the cancer has come back? What should I watch for?
When You’Re Told You Have Colorectal Cancer
- Where is the cancer located?
- Has the cancer spread beyond where it started?
- What is the cancer’s stage(extent), and what does that mean?
- Will I need other testsbefore we can decide on treatment?
When Deciding on A Treatment Plan
- What are my treatment options?
- If surgery is part of my treatment, will I need an ostomy? If so, will it be temporary or permanent? Who will teach me how to care for it?
- What do you recommend and why?
- How much experience do you have treating this type of cancer?
During Treatment
- Once treatment begins, you’ll need to know what to expect and what to look for. Not all of these questions may apply to you, but asking the ones that do may be helpful. 1. How will I know if the treatment is working? 2. Is there anything I can do to help manage side effects? 3. What symptoms or side effects should I tell you about right away? 4. Ho...
After Treatment
- Do I need a special diet after treatment?
- Are there any limits on what I can do?
- What symptoms should I watch for?
- What kind of exercise should I do now?