Colon Cancer vs. Lung Cancer Essay Example for Free

Colon Cancer vs. Lung Cancer EssayI. IntroductionAlthough Colon and Lung Cancer affect contrasting organs of the body and commence different symptoms, they be treated similarly using, surgery, actinotherapy, chemo, and targeted therapy. II. The treatment options for colon and lung cancer are similar and are determined by which stage the cancer is in. a. Surgery is oft the main treatment for the earlier stages, such as, Stage 1. b. Chem oppositeapy and Radiation therapy are used for Stages 2, 3 most often with surgery, and sometimes Stage 4III. There are two different types of surgeries performed for the treatments based on the stages. a. A polypectomy, remotion of polyps, or a lobectomy, removal of a lobe of the lung. b. A colectomy, removal of the colon, or a pneumonectomy, removal of the lung.IV. In most cases, these cancers are unlikely to be cured in Stage 4. c. Patients receive chemo and/or targeted therapies to control the cancer. d. Surgery is usually done to prevent or relieve symptoms of the disease.IV. ConclusionTHE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR COLON AND LUNG CANCERThe earlier cancer of the lung and colon is caught, and treated, the greater the survivalrate. The five year survival rate with stage 4 lung cancer is less than 10%. Coloncancer stage 4 patients have a 12% survival rate. Whereas, patients diagnosed andtreated while the disease is in its first stage, the survival rate for lung cancer is 60-80%,and colon is at 90%. Although colon and lung cancer affect different organs of the bodyand have different symptoms, they are treated similarly using, surgery, radiation,chemo and targeted therapy.The treatment options for colon and lung cancer are similar, and are determined bywhat stage the cancer is in.The disease is assigned a stage from one to four,depending on severity. In stage one the cancer is confine to the lung. During stagestwo, and three, the cancer is confined to the lung, with a possibility of existing in thelymph nodes. When the canc er has circularize outside of the lungs to other parts of thebody, the patient is diagnosed with stage four Lung Cancer. irrelevant stage three LungCancer where there is a possibility of the disease spreading to the lymph nodes, when apatient has stage three colon Cancer, it has definitely spread to the lymph nodesalready.TYPES OF SURGERIESA surgical procedure is typically the main treatment for stage one. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy most often with surgery, are used for stages two, three, and sometimes four. Chemotherapy is a medical process used to help boring or stop the growth of cancer cells growing within the body. The drugs used during chemotherapy cannot differentiate between cells, so it as well as kills the healthy cells. Radiation therapy uses high-energy particles or waves to destroy or damage cells. It is part of the main treatment for lung cancer. Thousands of people become cancer free later getting radiation treatments. Radiation can be given alone, or wit h other treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy. Since the cancer is confined to the lung or colon during stage one, surgery is the treatment given sometimes chemotherapy is also given. The surgery is done to remove the cancer and a margin of healthy tissue. operative procedures to remove lung cancer include, wedge resection, segmental resection, lobectomy, and pneumonectomy.A wedge resection is the removal of a small section of the lung that contains the tumor. The segmental resection removes a larger part of the lung. A lobectomy and pneumonectomy is the removal of an entire lobe of one lung, and the removal of an entire lung. Unless colon cancer is very advanced, most tumors are removed by an operation known as a colectomy. During a colectomy, the cancerous part of the colon and nearby lymph nodes is removed. If possible, the intestine is then reconnected. If the intestine cannot be reconnected, because of an infection or obstruction, acolostomy will be performed. A colostomy brings the end of the colon closest to the stomach up through the skin where the stool drains into a sack called an ostomy pouch.The colostomy is usually temporary and can be reversed with a second operation generally after about three -six months. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy, along with surgery, are the treatments involved with stage three colon and lung cancer. Chemotherapy may slow the progress of the cancer and extend survival time, by killing cancer cells. It may also help lessen the symptoms of the disease. If a soul is healthy overall, chemotherapy and radiation can be given as a combination. Combining both treatments allow them to work together to reduce pain and other symptoms while slowing the progression of the disease.THE FINAL STAGESStage four Cancer is the most advanced cancer stage. A diagnosis of stage four colonand lung cancer means cancer has spread from the colon and the lungs to other organs and tissues. Many treatments are available that can prevent or reduce symptoms, slowthe progression of the cancer, and lengthen survival. Surgery, such as a surgicalresection may extend the survival time in colon cancer. A surgical resection is theremoval of the section of the colon affected by the tumor. It is then joined together withthe remaining healthy sections to form one long, health piece. Depending on severalfactors, chemotherapy and radiation are treatments for patients with Stage Four.Thosefacts include, if there is lymph node involvement, where the tumor has spread, and howit is attached.Although surgery is not an option for patients with stage four Lung Cancer, treatmentoptions are available. The treatments can help to offer life and reduce pain. Someof those treatments include, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, combination of both,targeted drugs, clinical trials, and supportive care. Palliative therapy, which can reducethe pain and provide comfort, is also essential.CONCLUSIONRecognizing the lay on the line factors of the cancers , and practicing preventive measures allow us to reduce the risk for development of the disease. However, if diagnosed, the earlier the treatment options are discussed and began, the chances to be cured are higher.REFERENCESWEBLINK http//stmarysofmichigan.orghttp//www.cancer.orghttp//secure.mayoclinic.comhttp//health.bwmc.umms.orghttp//www.ehow.comhttp//www.livestrong.com