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Colon Cancer Dictionary

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5-Flourouracil: The chemotherapeutic agent of choice following surgery for Stage III colon cancer; increases the likelihood of being cured. It is also used as palliative treatment in Stage IV cancer.

biological therapy (immunotherapy): Biological therapy works with the body's immune system to destroy cancerous cells.

cancer stages:

Stage 0: Pre-cancerous or very early stage; confined to the most superficial layer of the colon and rectum.
Stage I: Located within the two or three most superficial layers of the colon or rectum; no evidence of lymph node involvement.
Stage II: Extended to the muscle wall of the colon; no evidence of lymph node involvement.
Stage III: Evidence of lymph node involvement.
Stage IV: Evidence of metastases frequently in the liver and/or the lungs.

chemotherapy: Systematic chemotherapy involves treating a patient with powerful anti-cancer drugs to kill cancerous cells.

colon surgery: The most common treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC) is surgery, aimed at completely removing the cancerous polyps and other malignant tissue.

colonoscopy: A scope that examines inside the rectum and entire colon using a long, lighted tube.

colostomy: Surgical procedure that involves connecting a part of the colon onto the anterior abdominal wall, leaving the patient with an opening on the abdomen called a stoma.

digital rectal exam: A rectal exam is often part of a routine physical examination. A doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormal areas.

double-contrast barium enema: Patient is given an enema with a barium solution, and air is pumped into the rectum. Several X-ray pictures are taken of the colon and rectum. The barium and air help the colon and rectum show up on the pictures. Polyps or tumors may show up.

endorectal ultrasound: An ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum. The probe sends out sound waves, the waves bounce off the rectum and nearby tissues and a computer uses the echoes to create a picture.

enterostomal therapist: A health care specialist trained to help patients care for and adjust to a colostomy.

external radiation: Radiation that comes from a machine. The most common type of machine used for radiation therapy is called a linear accelerator.