Colorectal Cancer Surgery in Brownsville, TX

Colorectal cancer includes both cancers of the colon and of the rectum. Most colorectal cancers begin as polyps, which are abnormal growths of tissue cells. Normally these polyps are benign, but over time they can develop into cancer. Colorectal cancer is actually the third most common type of cancer in men and women.

IF you are seeking diagnosis or treatment for colorectal cancer, contact board-certified general surgeon Dr. Carlos A. Barba to discuss your symptoms and the treatment options available. To schedule your colorectal cancer consultation at our general surgery center in Harlingen & Brownsville, TX, please call (956) 621-4981 today.

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Risk Factors of Colorectal Cancer

The exact cause of colorectal cancer is unknown, but there are a few risk factors that increase your chances:

• Increased Age
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Family history

Surgical Treatment for Colorectal Cancer

Surgery is the main treatment for colorectal cancer. Depending on how the cancer has spread, different surgeries are used. Either way, surgery to cure both colon and rectal cancer usually involve the same procedures, but can sometimes vary.

Polypectomy

Polypectomy is a very common type of procedure done in the early stages of the cancer. When a cancerous polyp is detected in a routine Colorectal Cancer screening, it can be dealt with before it becomes a bigger problem. Cancerous polyps of the colon or rectum can be detected and even removed during a colonoscopy.

Local Excision

This procedure usually treats cancer of the rectum. Depending on the case, it can be done through the anus or an incision in the rectum. This is done when part of the tissue wall has developed cancer, so your surgeon will remove the cancer and some surrounding tissue from the rectum.

Colon Resection or Colectomy 

As colorectal cancer starts to get to the later stages, where the cancer develops directly on the tissue wall of the colon, it is possible you will get a colectomy, or colon resection. A colon resection involves removing a part of sometimes all of the colon and attached tissues to the cancer.

Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Surgery in Brownsville, Texas

Through a few incisions, your surgeon will be able to look inside of your abdominal cavity with small scopes. Small instruments are used to remove cancerous tissue through these small incisions and leave minimal scarring and recovery time.

In some severe cases, tissue from surrounding organs are affected. After the surgery to treat the cancer, some additional surgery may be needed to repair lost tissue or make up for lack thereof. For specific procedure plans, have a consultation with your surgeon to see what is necessary for your case.