Upon completion of the clinical staging evaluation, surgery is performed to remove the cancer along with part of the normal adjacent colon and determi

Upon completion of the clinical staging evaluation, surgery is performed to remove the cancer along with part of the normal adjacent colon and determine the level of spread within the colon and abdomen. Surgery is performed through an abdominal incision or through a laparoscope. Laparoscopic surgery is less invasive and involves the insertion of surgical instruments through very small incisions in the abdomen. Patients experience faster healing times compared with traditional abdominal surgery, and their outcomes with regard to cancer recurrence and survival have been shown in some trials to be similar.[1] It is important for patients to discuss the risks and benefits of the two techniques with their doctor, as laparoscopic surgery is not yet the standard of care, but is still considered investigational.

Following surgical removal of colon cancer and examination of removed tissue under a microscope, a final "pathologic" stage will be given.

KRAS Testing

For patients with metastatic colon cancer (cancer that has spread to distant sites in the body), a sample of the cancer may be tested for mutations in the KRAS gene.[2] Cancers that contain KRAS mutations are unlikely to respond to two targeted therapies that may be used in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer: Erbitux® (cetuximab)[3] and Vectibix® (panitumumab).[4]

All treatment information concerning colon cancer is categorized and discussed by the stage. In order to learn more about the most recent information available concerning the treatment of colon cancer, click on the appropriate stage.

Stage I: Cancer is confined to the lining of the colon.

Stage II: Cancer may penetrate the wall of the colon into the abdominal cavity or other adjacent organs but does not invade any local lymph nodes.

Stage III: Cancer invades one or more of the local lymph nodes but has not spread to other distant organs.

Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant locations in the body, which may include the liver, lungs, bones or other sites.

Recurrent/Relapsed: Colon cancer has progressed or returned (recurred/relapsed) following initial treatment.