Do I need to have entire colon removed

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miner49
miner49 Member Posts: 1
in Colorectal Cancer #1

My first time on the site and this topic may have come up, but I couldn't peruse 500+ pages of posts.  I apologize if this is an old topic. I am a healthy, active 68 yr old male.  Between 1977 and 1980 I had severe case of Ulcerative Colitis which I managed to heal myself without traditional medicine.  Not a a single flare in 35+ years and have normal bowel function.  Been having regular colonoscopies due to high risk factor and this month they found an 8mm ulcer with raised edges on the ascending colon which is cancer.  The rest of the colon is unchanged from previous exams. CT scan is negative, so I am very hopeful this is an early diagnosis and very treatable.  Both surgeons I have met with recommend removal of entire colon with either permanent ileostomy or J pouch.  Because of the history of UC, they say my risk of having cancer somewhere else in the colon or that it would re-occur is 35-40%. One doc said she would remove just the diseased section but strongly advises against it, the other doc would not even consider doing this.  My colon and rectum apparently have a lot of scar tissue and does not present itself as a "normal" colon.  My preference would be to remove the diseased section and have regular colonoscopy done every 9-12 months and if cancer did re-occur, I would then have the entire colon removed.  Am I crazy and just playing with fire by doing this? I would love to hear from anybody who has had a similar experience or has any helpful information.  Thanks for taking the time to read this.

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  • JanJan63
    JanJan63 Member Posts: 2,478 Member
    #2
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    Welcome to the forum. I don't

    Welcome to the forum. I don't have experience with what you're dealing with. Personally, I'd go for the more radical option rather than risk having to have it done later. Surgery is not fun and not something I'd take a chance of havong done twice. But that's just me. I prefer to get it over with and behind me. Maybe someone else has had a similar experience to you and can give a better opinion.

    Jan

  • Woodytele
    Woodytele Member Posts: 163
    edited February 2018 #3
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    Interesting logic

    Did the doctor mention doing chemo to shrink the cancer before the surgery? That may be an option as well.  to get to your point, you should try to do if possible what you want.  If a doctor agrees with you on taking out the diseased section it out and re-attach, that would be your option, and the less invasive one, and less life changing one.  The worst that can happen is that it doesn’t work out, and you are back to option 2 which at that point will be your only option, and the choice will be made for you.  You need to get another opinion to see if it’s possible.  If another surgeon disagrees with you, it may be just impossible due to prior damage. Then once again, you are back to option 2 which at that point is your only option.  I don’t know how symptomatic you are, but if the cancer is contained in the colon, chemo itself can really improve that. Your oncologist would let you know about that. 

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