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Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum. These can be referred to as colon cancer or rectal cancer depending on the location. Most colorectal cancers begin as an abnormal growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum, also known as a polyp. Polyps can change into cancer over time, but not all cases become cancerous. Colorectal cancer spreads when a polyp grows into the wall of the colon or rectum over time. The wall of the colon and rectum is formed by multiple layers, however, colorectal cancer starts in the innermost layer and grows outward.

According to the American Cancer Society, if you exclude skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. However, due to early screening options and changes in lifestyle-related risk factors, the rate of people being diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer each year has dropped overall since the mid-1980s.

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Possible side effects of colorectal radiation therapy:

  • Skin irritation at the site where radiation beams were aimed, which can range from redness to blistering and peeling
  • Problems with wound healing if radiation was given before surgery
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Rectal irritation, which can cause diarrhea, painful bowel movements, or blood in the stool
  • Bowel incontinence (stool leakage)
  • Bladder irritation, which can cause problems like feeling like you must go often (called frequency), burning or pain while urinating, or blood in the urine
  • Fatigue/tiredness
  • Sexual problems (erection issues in men and vaginal irritation in women)
  • Scarring, fibrosis (stiffening), and adhesions that cause the tissues in the treated area to stick to each other

Because these symptoms may overlap with those of other conditions, it is important to get the correct diagnosis to find the right treatment. Use the form below to talk to one of our specialist about your symptoms today.

Talk To A Team Member Today

We know you have a choice about where you get your cancer care but we hope you’ll choose us.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

337-769-8660

Treating Colorectal Cancer with Radiation

Radiation therapy uses powerful energy sources, such as X-rays and protons, to kill cancer cells. It might be used to shrink a large cancer before an operation so that it can be removed more easily. When surgery isn’t an option, radiation therapy might be used to relieve symptoms, such as pain. Sometimes radiation is combined with chemotherapy. External beam radiation can treat the anal, rectal and colon cancer tumors. Treatments are scheduled Monday through Friday over the course of several weeks. In some cases, we can delivery higher doses of radiation in fewer treatments.

Your treatment is custom-tailored and unique to your diagnosis, tumor size, location and involvement. Your radiation oncologist (a doctor who specializes in treating cancer with radiation) will review all available treatment options and recommend a personalized plan for you based on national guidelines, which guide all cancer treatments. Radiation therapy is used either alone or in combination with other treatments such as chemotherapy and surgery.

Radiation can be delivered either from outside the body with a machine called a linear accelerator (external beam radiation) or from a radiation source implanted permanently or temporarily in the body (brachytherapy).

Benefits of Radiation Therapy

  • Pain Free Treatment Delivery
  • Non-Invasive
  • Custom Tailored Treatment Plan
  • Little to No Side Effects
  • Immediate Return to Daily Activities
  • Minimal Radiation Exposure to Adjacent Healthy Tissue

Why Choose OncoLogics?

ADVANCED THERAPIES

We are committed to offering the most advanced treatments available. Our treatment plans follow national guidelines and are the same protocols as those used by top academic cancer centers.

TEAM OF EXPERTS

Our doctors, nurses, technical and support staff are experts in their fields. We work as one closely coordinated team and enjoy what we do.

PATIENT & FAMILY CENTERED

We’re not afraid to admit that we love our patients and families. And because of that, we approach each person as if they were one of our own family members. We believe in the power of a smile or hug to help someone get through a challenging day.

PERSONALIZED CARE

Some patients may need as little as five treatments. We’ll spend time with you to make sure you understand your diagnosis and which treatment plan best meets your needs.

Talk To A Team Member Today

We know you have a choice about where you get your cancer care but we hope you’ll choose us.