Colon cancer is a type of cancer that needs immediate medical attention and diagnosis. In this type of cancer, the treatment largely depends on the stage of the disease. As the stages and treatments for colon cancer are highly interlinked, here is a brief description of the kind of treatment required in each stage of colon cancer.

Treatment for Stage 0 Colon Cancer
In the initial stage, the tumor has not grown beyond the inner lining of the colon. Therefore, surgery is the best and only option to take the cancerous tumor out completely. In most cases, this is done by removing the polyp or conducting a colonoscopy through which the area with cancer can be removed. However, if the tumor is too big to be removed by local excision, then a partial colectomy might be needed.

Treatment for Stage I Colon Cancer
The stages and treatments for colon cancer differ at this point because the cancerous cells have multiplied deeper into the layers of the colon wall. It has not spread outside the colon wall or into the adjacent lymph nodes. If the cancer in the polyp is high-grade, surgery would be required. If the cancer is not in the polyp at this stage, then, a partial colectomy is conducted. It is a surgical process, which involves removing the entire section of the colon that has cancer along with the nearby lymph nodes. Once done, the patient would not need any more treatment.

Treatment for Stage II Colon Cancer
In stage II, the cancer has grown through the walls of the colon and perhaps, into the nearby tissues. A partial colectomy to remove the section of the colon that contains the cancer is the most recommended treatment at this stage. If the tumor looks abnormal, it has grown into the nearby lymph vessels or is obstructing the colon itself, then adjuvant chemotherapy after the surgery will be recommended.

Treatment for Stage III Colon Cancer
In stage III, the cancerous cells have already spread to the nearby lymph nodes, but it is yet to affect the other parts of the body. Both partial colectomy surgery along with adjuvant chemotherapy is the standard treatment at this stage. There are three more stages of the tumor within this stage of colon cancer. Radiotherapy is also advised if the tumor is big and affecting the tissues surrounding the colon,

Treatment for Stage IV Colon Cancer
This is the most advanced stage of colon cancer, when the cancer has spread to the other organs, primarily the liver. Surgery cannot cure this stage of cancer except in cases where a few small areas of cancer has spread in the liver or lungs. They can then be removed along with the cancerous tumor. Chemotherapy is the standard treatment. If the doctor recommends surgery, the goal would be to relieve the symptoms and bypass the cancer completely.

Even with the knowledge of the stages and treatments for colon cancer, it is always advisable to consult your doctor regarding the more advanced treatment methods available.