Colorectal Cancer Treatments
Current treatments for colorectal cancer
If cancer is found during your exam, the FHCI has developed a comprehensive program with a multidisciplinary approach to providing the best care for patients with colorectal cancer. Colon cancer can be treated by surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy - or a combination of all these.
Colorectal Cancer Program at the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute
Our board-certified surgeons are experts in the surgical and non-surgical treatment of colorectal cancer, and many have significant experience in colorectal surgery. Working closely with our on-campus oncologists allows more communication and efficiency for developing the best plan of treatment. Our colorectal surgeons have specialized training in the treatment of colorectal cancer, in addition to full training in general surgery. Surgery may also be combined with other treatments like hormone therapy, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. In some cases small rectal cancers can be treated with laser excision.
Colorectal Surgery
The most common treatment for colorectal cancer is removing the tumor through surgery. In most cases, a surgeon removes the tumor along with part of the healthy colon or rectum and nearby lymph nodes. Generally, the doctor is then able to reconnect the healthy portions of the colon or rectum.
Enterostomal Therapy
The FHCI works with the Florida Hospital Digestive Health Center to offer enterostomal therapy for our patients. Enterostomal therapists are trained to manage intestinal stomas, an opening in the body that is made surgically to replace a normal opening blocked by a cancerous tumor. Enterostomal therapists are specially trained nurses who are available to give patients appropriate advice about managing their stoma, and appropriate support about dealing with difficulties of the stoma. The goal of enterostomal therapy is to help ensure a smooth recovery so you can return to normal daily life as quickly as possible.
