Colorectal Cancer Treatment at Hackensack Meridian Health
Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, following breast and lung cancer. At John Theurer Cancer Center, our team of colorectal cancer specialists utilizes the latest treatments, including robotic surgery and clinical trials, to provide advanced care. Our primary goal is to cure your cancer while minimizing side effects, ensuring you maintain an optimal quality of life.
Types of Colorectal Cancer We Treat
The most common type of colon cancer, found in the mucus-producing glands of the intestine. Adenocarcinoma often starts as a benign polyp that can become cancerous if untreated.
These tumors form in the neuroendocrine cells that regulate hormones and function as nerve cells within the intestine.
GIST develops in the interstitial cells of Cajal, a rare occurrence in the colon and rectum.
Metastatic Colorectal Cancer occurs when cancer spreads from the colon or rectum to other areas of the body through the lymphatic or circulatory system.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Early detection is key in treating colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends starting colorectal cancer screenings at age 45, or earlier if you have a family history or other risk factors. Screenings may include stool tests to detect blood or a colonoscopy to examine the inside of the rectum and colon.
Take our Colon Cancer Risk Assessment or learn more about colonoscopy services at Hackensack Meridian Health.
Colorectal Cancer Screening - Patient Videos
Surgical Options for Colorectal Cancer
If diagnosed with colorectal cancer, our experts provide cutting-edge surgical techniques, including robotic surgery and minimally invasive surgery. Our team of fellowship-trained colon and rectal surgeons is experienced in performing complex procedures with the goal of minimizing recovery time and discomfort.
Our surgeons use the da Vinci Xi® Surgical System to perform procedures like colectomy and rectal resection with smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery.
In some cases, patients may require open surgery based on the location or spread of the tumor. Our team is skilled in intestinal reconstruction to avoid permanent ostomies whenever possible.
For cancers located on the surface of the rectal wall, tumors can sometimes be removed using a scope, helping patients avoid a colostomy.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Colorectal Cancer
We offer state-of-the-art radiation therapy precisely tailored to your tumor to protect surrounding healthy tissue and minimize side effects.
If colorectal cancer spreads to other organs, such as the liver, we provide advanced therapies designed to treat metastases:
- Interventional Radiology: Treatments like radioembolization with yttrium-90 or chemoembolization deliver anticancer medication directly to tumors.
- Radiofrequency Ablation: This technique uses intense heat to destroy tumors in hard-to-reach areas.
- Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy: High doses of radiation are precisely targeted to metastatic tumors for effective treatment
Patient Centered Care
At John Theurer Cancer Center, we prioritize compassionate, patient-centered care throughout your cancer journey. Our support services, including nutritional counseling, pain management, and rehabilitation, are designed to enhance the quality of life for you and your family. Our goal is to provide comprehensive care from diagnosis through treatment and survivorship, ensuring that you receive the best possible support every step of the way.
