Piedmont Oncology Provides Personalized Care for Colon and Rectal Cancer
Planning for operative and postoperative treatment begins as soon as colorectal cancer has been diagnosed. We take a team approach to caring for patients with colon and rectal cancer. Our multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses and navigators work together to provide personalized treatment for each patient. Treatment planning conferences are used to provide patients with treatment recommendations.
Surgical Expertise at Piedmont Oncology
Surgery is often the first step in the treatment of colon cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove the entire tumor in an attempt to stop the cancer. A second benefit derived from removing the colon is that the clinician gets a much more accurate analysis of the extent and aggressiveness of the cancer. Surgery is performed by a colorectal surgeon specializing in this type of cancer.
For rectal cancer, surgery is also the first step in treatment. However, most advanced rectal cancers are not operated on immediately. Our specialists help develop the right treatment plan customized to your disease.
Colon and Rectal Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to damage the DNA inside colon or rectum cancer cells. The goal is to destroy tumor cells that could be left behind after the surgery. Piedmont radiation oncologists prescribe and administer the treatment using the latest technology.
Chemotherapy for Colon and Rectal Cancer
Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill tumor cells. Sometimes it is given before surgery to reduce the size of the tumor. If there is a concern for a residual tumor after surgery or radiation therapy, chemotherapy can be given to kill these left-over cells. Chemotherapy can also be used to slow the growth of an advanced tumor that has metastasized or spread to other parts of the body.
Medical oncologists at Piedmont Oncology are experts at helping patients with these approaches.
Contact a Colorectal Specialist at Piedmont Oncology
To make an appointment with a colon and rectal cancer specialist near you or for questions about treatment options, use our convenient Find a Doctor search.