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Our team of compassionate, highly trained colorectal surgeons provides comprehensive treatment options tailored to your individual needs. We’re here to guide you with expertise, respect, and care — every step of the way.
Texas Oncology is a leader in groundbreaking cancer research and clinical trials in Texas, paving the way for new breakthroughs in cancer care.
Our doctors use the latest evidence-based tests to diagnose colon cancer. We listen to your concerns and customize your tests based on your symptoms and medical history. Your tests may include:
We may take a sample of your blood to measure complete blood count (CBC) and look for possible tumor markers. These tests alone cannot diagnose colon cancer, but they may reveal potential signs. For example, a low red blood cell count may point to internal bleeding from colon cancer or other issues. Tumor markers may be a sign of colon cancer but require further testing to confirm the diagnosis.
This procedure is the gold standard for diagnosing colon cancer. Our skilled gastroenterologists perform thousands of these procedures each year and are experienced in the best techniques to spot cancer, take biopsies, and remove polyps.
If cancer has spread to other organs, you may need a computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or positron emission tomography (PET) scan.
Our gastroenterologists, oncologists, surgeons, and radiation oncologists work together to create your personalized treatment plan. We discuss your treatment options and offer leading-edge clinical trials if any are a good fit for you. Your treatment may include:
Our medical oncologists are highly experienced in delivering chemotherapy medications for colon cancer. We customize your medications to fit your needs and focus on minimizing or avoiding side effects to improve your quality of life.
Radiation therapy uses beams of energy to destroy cancer cells. Our team may use radiation therapy to shrink a tumor before surgery or in place of surgery for people who cannot tolerate a surgical procedure.
If doctors find cancerous cells in your colon or rectum, our colon and rectal surgeons will remove them. We are also skilled in the most effective colon cancer surgeries, including polypectomy, colectomy, or segmental resection. Whether it’s one small growth or a complex case, our surgeons are equipped to help.
Targeted therapies, also called precision medicines, are newer drugs that destroy certain parts of cancer cells to keep them from multiplying. One type of targeted therapy, known as immunotherapy, stimulates your immune system to attack the cancer cells. Our specialists may recommend multiple targeted therapies for optimal results.
The best way to prevent colon cancer is to receive regular screenings, even if you don’t have symptoms. Our team can recommend a screening schedule based on your risk.
If you have a personal or family history of cancer, we may recommend genetic testing. These tests can determine if you have specific genetic mutations that make you more likely to develop cancer.
You can also lower your risk of colon cancer if you:
Advanced treatments
We offer the latest treatments for colon cancer, including minimally invasive surgery and precision medicines that provide proven results. Our extensive clinical trials program also gives you access to treatment breakthroughs before they’re widely available.
Multidisciplinary team
Exceptional colon cancer care requires multiple specialists, including oncologists and colorectal surgeons. We bring these specialists together to create the best care plan for you.
Comprehensive support
Your mental health matters, so we incorporate social and emotional care into your treatment plan. Our team provides counseling, financial guidance, and help with transportation and other needs.
Colorectal cancer, commonly called colon cancer, starts in your colon (large intestine) or rectum. While it used to affect mainly older adults, this cancer is becoming more common in people younger than 50.
Fortunately, colon cancer is treatable, especially when detected in the early stages. Our physicians offer the latest therapies for this cancer, including clinical trials. From colon and rectal surgery to chemotherapy and innovative targeted therapies, we have every treatment you may need for comprehensive care.
Adenocarcinoma accounts for more than 90% of cancers that start in the colon. When our doctors talk about colon cancer, they are referring to this type.
Other types of cancer may start in the colon, but they are rare and are not called “colon cancer.” These types include:
Colon cancer doesn’t have a single cause. Experts believe multiple factors may increase your risk of getting colon cancer. Those risk factors include:
Age
Colon cancer is more common in people over age 50, but the numbers are increasing in younger adults.
Colon conditions
Certain benign (noncancerous) colon conditions can increase your risk of colon cancer, including:
Gene mutations
Changes to normal genes can affect how your body fights off tumors. Some of these changes can happen during your lifetime, and others are inherited (passed down in families). Some of the more common inherited gene mutations include:
Lifestyle
Certain lifestyle habits can increase your risk of colon cancer, including:
Metabolic conditions
People with obesity or a higher body weight may be more likely to develop colon cancer. Type 2 diabetes may also increase your risk.
Having one or more of these risk factors does not mean you will get colon cancer. Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk and how often you should receive colon cancer screening.
Colon cancer symptoms can be difficult to spot. Often, they may look like other health conditions, such as digestive issues. Every person’s symptoms can be different, but the most common ones include:
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your provider. They can help you determine the cause or perform tests if needed.
Our doctors use the latest evidence-based tests to diagnose colon cancer. We listen to your concerns and customize your tests based on your symptoms and medical history. Your tests may include:
We may take a sample of your blood to measure complete blood count (CBC) and look for possible tumor markers. These tests alone cannot diagnose colon cancer, but they may reveal potential signs. For example, a low red blood cell count may point to internal bleeding from colon cancer or other issues. Tumor markers may be a sign of colon cancer but require further testing to confirm the diagnosis.
This procedure is the gold standard for diagnosing colon cancer. Our skilled gastroenterologists perform thousands of these procedures each year and are experienced in the best techniques to spot cancer, take biopsies, and remove polyps.
If cancer has spread to other organs, you may need a computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or positron emission tomography (PET) scan.
Our gastroenterologists, oncologists, surgeons, and radiation oncologists work together to create your personalized treatment plan. We discuss your treatment options and offer leading-edge clinical trials if any are a good fit for you. Your treatment may include:
Our medical oncologists are highly experienced in delivering chemotherapy medications for colon cancer. We customize your medications to fit your needs and focus on minimizing or avoiding side effects to improve your quality of life.
Radiation therapy uses beams of energy to destroy cancer cells. Our team may use radiation therapy to shrink a tumor before surgery or in place of surgery for people who cannot tolerate a surgical procedure.
If doctors find cancerous cells in your colon or rectum, our colon and rectal surgeons will remove them. We are also skilled in the most effective colon cancer surgeries, including polypectomy, colectomy, or segmental resection. Whether it’s one small growth or a complex case, our surgeons are equipped to help.
Targeted therapies, also called precision medicines, are newer drugs that destroy certain parts of cancer cells to keep them from multiplying. One type of targeted therapy, known as immunotherapy, stimulates your immune system to attack the cancer cells. Our specialists may recommend multiple targeted therapies for optimal results.
The best way to prevent colon cancer is to receive regular screenings, even if you don’t have symptoms. Our team can recommend a screening schedule based on your risk.
If you have a personal or family history of cancer, we may recommend genetic testing. These tests can determine if you have specific genetic mutations that make you more likely to develop cancer.
You can also lower your risk of colon cancer if you:
Advanced treatments
We offer the latest treatments for colon cancer, including minimally invasive surgery and precision medicines that provide proven results. Our extensive clinical trials program also gives you access to treatment breakthroughs before they’re widely available.
Multidisciplinary team
Exceptional colon cancer care requires multiple specialists, including oncologists and colorectal surgeons. We bring these specialists together to create the best care plan for you.
Comprehensive support
Your mental health matters, so we incorporate social and emotional care into your treatment plan. Our team provides counseling, financial guidance, and help with transportation and other needs.
