What Kind Of Doctor Should I See First?
To help make decisions about your colorectal cancer treatment, it’s helpful to consult with a medical oncologist first. As a cancer specialist, they will be up-to-date on the best way to manage your cancer depending on the location of the colon or rectal cancer, the size of the tumor, and if it’s spread to other areas of the body (also referred to as staging). They are often the lead physician over your cancer treatment process. Many times new patients seek a colorectal surgeon first, which is not always the best first step in treating cancer.
Spending time with a medical oncologist will allow them to develop a plan that would be best for your situation. They also have the benefit of consulting with other cancer specialists on the Compass Oncology team who specialize in various types of colorectal cancer treatments, including surgery, radiation therapy, and others.
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What is the Extent of My Colorectal Cancer?
The stages of colon cancer and rectal cancer are typically expressed as a number on a scale of 0 through IV — with stage 0 representing contained, non-invasive cancers and stage IV representing cancers that have spread. The results of the biopsy and images taken will allow your oncologist to determine the extent of your colorectal cancer. Read more about how oncologists determine the staging of colon and rectal cancers.
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Which Colorectal Cancer Treatments Will I Receive?
Colorectal cancer treatments are based on factors, including the stage of your cancer. It’s important to make informed decisions without delay. With rectal and colon cancers, it’s important to act fast, but not so fast that you miss opportunities to listen to the recommended cancer treatment plan and consider questions you may have. Here are some of the most common colon and rectal cancer treatments.
After Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Following colorectal cancer treatment, your doctors will want to monitor you closely. It’s very important to go to all of your follow-up appointments. These visits give your doctor an opportunity to address your questions and concerns, look for treatment-related side effects, and discuss other follow-up treatments that may be necessary.
Should I Get a Second Opinion?
It is only natural that you want to be absolutely certain that you have colorectal cancer before beginning treatment. It's understandable that you may want to get a second opinion to make sure. There is no harm in doing that, and it will help you feel confident about your diagnosis. Our medical providers at Compass Oncology regularly provide second opinions for patients diagnosed with prostate and other cancers. Most insurance companies will cover a second opinion assessment, but you should always check with your insurance provider to check your coverage before making an appointment.
Watch the video below to learn about the importance of a second opinion for cancer diagnosis and treatment. The oncologists at Compass Oncology are available to discuss your test results, cancer diagnosis, and options for treatment.