Testing and treatment for colon and rectal cancers in Fort Worth, Texas

Alliance Colorectal Specialists offers consultations and treatments for patients with colon and rectal cancer, including removal of polyps and surgery.

Colon and rectal cancer typical beings in the form of polyps, which are small tissue growths the develop when cells inside the colon lining reproduce in an abnormal way. Most start as non-cancerous growths but can turn into cancerous tumors if not removed. Once they become cancerous, they can spread to the liver, lungs and other body parts.

What causes colon and rectal cancer?

Specific causes are uncertain, but genetics and lifestyle factors can play a role. Lifestyle factors that may contribute to colon and rectal cancer development include:

  • Excessive alcohol
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Lack of exercise
  • Obesity

The risk for colon and rectal cancer also increases with age. It most commonly affects patients who are 50 and older. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis may also contribute to the development of colon and rectal cancer.

Genetic susceptibility to colon and rectal cancer cannot be controlled, however, maintaining optimal health and having regular screenings can prevent it.

How is colon and rectal cancer treated?

Treatment depends on the type of cancer and its stage. Prevention is the best treatment. Patients are encouraged to have a colonoscopy at age 45, or earlier, if there is a family history or you are at higher risk.

If polyps are discovered during a colonoscopy, they can be removed at that time. Polyps are also removed through endoscopic mucosal resection or minimally invasive surgery. Other surgical options include:

Partial or total colectomy

A segmental colectomy is performed when the colon cancer involves one part of the colon. A total colectomy may be recommended if more than one part of the colon is involved. The associated lymph nodes are also removed and the specimen is sent to pathology for evaluation.

Partial or total colectomy

This is an operation for the removal of rectal cancer with its associated envelope of tissue. This is the most common operation performed for treatment of rectal cancer.

Sphincter-saving procedures

These procedures treat low-lying rectal cancer and help avoid a permanent colostomy.

Colonic j-pouch

After removing the rectal cancer a new reservoir, known as a j-pouch, is created with your remaining colon to allow you to pass stool normally through the anus.

Coloanal anastomosis

In this procedure, the surgeon removes your rectum and then attaches your colon directly to your anus.

Coloplasty

Coloplasty is an alternative to coloanal anastomosis and colonic j-pouch after removal of the rectum to allow for more normal bowel function.

Ileal-pouch anal anastomosis

During this operation, the surgeon removes your entire colon and rectum and creates a reservoir using the small intestine (a j-pouch) and connects it to the anus, so you can evacuate normally. This operation is usually performed for patients with ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis.

Trans-Anal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS)

Minimally invasive techniques are used to remove cancerous lesions that would otherwise be accessible only through open abdominal surgery.