Advanced colon cancer is mostly defined as having distant metastasis of the tumor or extensive infiltration of surrounding tissues, making it difficult to remove the lesion surgically. The treatment is to extend the life span and improve the quality of life as much as possible.
Colonoscopy, ultrasound colonoscopy, and biopsy through colonoscopy for pathological examination can be done first. Based on the results of these tests, the appropriate treatment is chosen.
Lowly differentiated tumor cells are more malignant. Cancer cells are more different from normal cells and are more sensitive to chemotherapy, which can be used to control the disease and prolong life span with immunotherapy. The tumor cells are highly differentiated, and chemotherapy treatment is mostly insensitive, so you can simply do radiotherapy treatment.
Malignant tumors are prone to complications such as gastrointestinal obstruction, and for complications, palliative surgery can be used to relieve symptoms. In the case of intestinal blockage, an intestinal canal resection can be done to relieve eating and bowel obstruction. If intestinal canal resection is not appropriate, a fistula can be performed to maintain the patency of the digestive tract. If pain is significant, analgesic drugs can be used. In the presence of severe malnutrition, intravenous fluids can be considered to supplement nutrients. In combination with bleeding, hemostatic drugs can be applied. These therapeutic measures have a role in improving the patient’s quality of life.