Colon vs Rectal Cancer

Transcript

Colon and rectal cancers are two different entities within the colon and the rectum. While very similar, they’re in very different locations. The colon cancers are more in the abdomen or outside of the pelvis usually, and are in the beginning or middle towards the distal portion of the colon. When you get down to the rectum, you’re within the pelvis, and this is usually the last 15 to 20 centimeters of the colon and rectum.

We do treat these two, colon and rectal cancers, differently. Oftentimes colon cancers are treated with either chemotherapy because of stage four disease or other factors or surgery upfront. Again, rectal cancers are often treated with chemotherapy and / or chemo radiation prior to surgery.

Key Takeaways

1. While colon and rectal cancers are very similar, they’re in very different locations.

2. Colon cancers are more in the abdomen or outside of the pelvis.

3. The rectum is within the pelvis, and this is usually the last 15 to 20 centimeters of the colon and rectum.

4. Colon cancers are treated with either chemotherapy or surgery upfront.

5. Rectal cancers are often treated with chemotherapy and/or chemo radiation prior to surgery.