If you are facing surgery for a mass in your colon or rectum, you likely have many questions. Why is surgery needed? Do I have cancer? How much of my colon needs to be removed?

Why You need Surgery

Growths that form in the colon can raise your risk of developing colorectal cancer. Removing these growths will help protect you from getting cancer. If you already have a cancerous growth, removing it is the best treatment. In some cases, your doctor may not know for sure whether a growth is cancerous until after it is removed. For all these reasons, colorectal surgery can protect your health and your life.

An Overview of Your Treatment

You will be told how to prepare for your surgery. Following your doctor's advice helps provide the best possible outcome. Often, surgery is the only treatment you need. In some cases, additional therapy may be needed. After treatment, follow-up care helps with your recovery. It also ensures early detection of any future problems.

Your Diagnosis

Your doctor will evaluate you and perform several tests to learn the exact nature of your colon problem. Then, you and your doctor will work together to develop a treatment plan for you.

Surgical Treatment

During surgery, your doctor removes the affected part of your colon. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you may have certain other treatments before or after surgery.

Follow-up Care

As you recover from your treatment, you can return to your daily activities. Follow-up exams, a healthy diet, and support from your friends and family can help you get back to your routine.

Understanding the Colon

The colon (also called the large intestine) is a muscular tube that forms the past part of the digestive tract. It absorbs water and stores food waste. The colon is about 4 to 6 feet long. The rectum is the last 6 inches of the colon. The colon and rectum have a smooth lining composed of millions of cells. Changes in these cells can lead to growths in the colon that can become cancerous and should be removed.

How the Colon Works

Semiliquid food waste from the small intestine enters the colon at the cecum (beginning of the colon). As the waste (stool) travels through the colon, it loses water and solidifies. Strong muscles keep the stool moving through the colon. The stool is moved toward the sigmoid colon (last section of the colon). From there, it passes into the rectum, where it is stored until it leaves the body during a bowel movement.