Colorectal cancer is a collective term used to describe cancer that begins in the colon or the rectum. These cancers may also be called colon cancer, if it begins in the colon, and rectal cancer, if it begins in the rectum. Although this type of cancer is common among American men and women, it is very treatable if discovered early.
Shenandoah Oncology offers patients access to the most advanced colorectal cancer therapies in and around Winchester, Virginia. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer, request an appointment with one of our colorectal cancer specialists. We are here to guide you through every step of the way.
Because colon cancer doesn’t often show symptoms, the best way to identify colorectal cancer early is through a screening colonoscopy. If your doctor feels there could be cancer present, a biopsy will be used to confirm whether cancer is present. Additional imaging and other tests can be used to see if the cancer has spread (metastasized) past the colon or rectum to another part of the body.
Staging is a way of describing whether the tumor has invaded nearby tissues and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Doctors use various tests to determine the stage of the cancer. Some of these were done as part of the diagnosis process. Additional tests may be necessary.
The cancer’s stage will impact the treatments that are right for you and the order the treatments are given.
The recommended treatment plan for colorectal cancer depends mainly on the location of the tumor in the colon or rectum and the stage of the disease. Most patients receive a combination of several types of treatments. Treating colorectal cancer may involve:
Surgery
Chemotherapy
Targeted Therapy
Immunotherapy
Radiation Therapy
If you have been newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer, the next step is to schedule a consultation with an oncologist. The colorectal cancer specialists at Shenandoah Oncology offer personalized treatment plans as well as second opinions. Our location in Winchester, Virginia, serves patients in and around the area, including the Shenandoah Valley, Northern Virginia, West Virginia, and Western Maryland.
Learn More
