Finding the Right Surgeon? Posted: 01-10-08 01:09am
I have a family member who has colon
cancer that has spread to his prostate and
bladder. The general surgeon that his
oncologist sent him to will not touch him.
We want to get a second opinion but am
not sure where to start. Are there
surgeons that just specialize in
Colon/Rectal Cancer? What should we be
looking for in making sure he is receiving
the most current treatment available to
him?
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MandMs
Extremely EHEALTHy
Joined: 26 Jan 2007 Posts: 2016 Location: Strumica, Macedonia
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Posted: 01-10-08 06:27am
You can look for a gastrointestinal
surgeon with subspeciality in surgery of
colon cancer.
It's very hard to accept the fact that
once a bowel cancer has spread to another
part of the body, it is unlikely to be
curable.
Surgery can be used in some situations to
treat advanced colorectal cancer.
Was this patient suggested chemotherapy?
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momgoingnuts
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 08 Jan 2008 Posts: 2
Finding the Right Surgeon? Posted: 01-10-08 14:07pm
Yes he has been getting chemo for several
months now. Trying to shrink the tumor
prior to surgery. The tumor has shrunk
but the general surgeon still won't touch
him. So we are looking for 2nd, 3rd and
so opinions. But was not sure what we
should be looking for in a surgeon this
one surgeon he saw is a general surgeon.
I just want to make sure that he is
getting the most current and up to date
treatment and surgery options.
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MandMs
Extremely EHEALTHy
Joined: 26 Jan 2007 Posts: 2016 Location: Strumica, Macedonia
Thanks: 32
Thanked:10
Posted: 01-21-08 05:38am
Chances of having a good outcome are
highest in the hands of a medical team
that has experience in treating colorectal
cancer.
If the rectal cancer is growing into
nearby organs, more extensive surgery is
needed. The surgeon removes the rectum as
well as nearby organs such as the bladder,
prostate, if the cancer has spread to
these organs. A colostomy is needed after
this operation. If the bladder is removed,
a urostomy (opening to collect urine) is
also needed.
