Colorectal Cancer

Overview

It is estimated that approximately 132,000 new cases of large bowel cancer are diagnosed annually in the US. Nearly 49,700 Americans die each year and it is the third most common cause of cancer death in the US. One in five patients with colorectal cancer presents with metastatic disease. The increasing of screening through colonoscopy has led to more cases being diagnosed at an asymptomatic stage. However, symptoms can include rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, unexplained iron deficiency anemia, and/or a change in bowel habits. Tests such as a fecal occult blood test or endoscopy are performed. Once the diagnosis is established, the disease is staged by physical exam and CT of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. A carcinoembryonic antigen is drawn.

Treatment Options

Treatment options can include surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy, chemotherapy and radiation in rectal cancers, and chemotherapy alone in metastatic disease. Chemotherapy gents used include 5-FU, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, cetuximab, panitumumab, and regorafenib.

Colorectal Cancer Specialists

Raymond Tsao, MD

Dr. Raymond Tsao

Dr. Tsao is board certified in medical oncology and hematology. He is currently seeing patients with all types of cancer, with a focus on hematologic and gastrointestinal malignancies, including esophageal, stomach, colorectal and pancreatic cancer. Dr. Tsao is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and American Society of Hematology.

Click here to learn more about Dr. Raymond Tsao.

Dr. Vijay Narendran

Dr. Vijay Narendran

Dr. Narendran is board certified in medical oncology and hematology. Dr. Narendran treats a variety of cancers and has a special interest in gastrointestinal and hematologic malignancies. Dr. Narendran is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology.

Click here to learn more about Dr. Vijay Narendran.

Kelly Foster MD

Kelly Foster, MD

Dr. Foster is board certified in medical oncology, internal medicine and palliative medicine. She is currently seeing patients with all types of cancer, with a focus on breast and gastrointestinal cancers (gastric, esophageal, pancreatic, hepatobiliary, colon, anal). She is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Click here to learn more about Dr. Kelly Foster.

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