Colon Cancer Forum - Finding the Right Surgeon?
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Finding the Right Surgeon?

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momgoingnuts

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Joined: 08 Jan 2008
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Finding the Right Surgeon?
Posted: 01-10-08 01:09am

I have a family member who has colon cancer that has spread to his prostate and bladder. The general surgeon that his oncologist sent him to will not touch him. We want to get a second opinion but am not sure where to start. Are there surgeons that just specialize in Colon/Rectal Cancer? What should we be looking for in making sure he is receiving the most current treatment available to him?
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MandMs

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Posted: 01-10-08 06:27am

You can look for a gastrointestinal surgeon with subspeciality in surgery of colon cancer.

It's very hard to accept the fact that once a bowel cancer has spread to another part of the body, it is unlikely to be curable.
Surgery can be used in some situations to treat advanced colorectal cancer.
Was this patient suggested chemotherapy?
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momgoingnuts

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 08 Jan 2008
Posts: 2
Finding the Right Surgeon?
Posted: 01-10-08 14:07pm

Yes he has been getting chemo for several months now. Trying to shrink the tumor prior to surgery. The tumor has shrunk but the general surgeon still won't touch him. So we are looking for 2nd, 3rd and so opinions. But was not sure what we should be looking for in a surgeon this one surgeon he saw is a general surgeon.
I just want to make sure that he is getting the most current and up to date treatment and surgery options.
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MandMs

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Posted: 01-21-08 05:38am

Chances of having a good outcome are highest in the hands of a medical team that has experience in treating colorectal cancer.
If the rectal cancer is growing into nearby organs, more extensive surgery is needed. The surgeon removes the rectum as well as nearby organs such as the bladder, prostate, if the cancer has spread to these organs. A colostomy is needed after this operation. If the bladder is removed, a urostomy (opening to collect urine) is also needed.
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