Colorectal Cancer

Frequently Asked Questions

15. What types of surgery are available for someone with colorectal cancer? - cont'd

If the cancer is larger, the surgeon will remove the cancer and a small amount of healthy tissue around it. This is called a colectomy. The surgeon may then sew the healthy parts of the colon together. Usually, the surgeon will also remove lymph nodes near the colon and examine them under a microscope to see whether they contain cancer. (Answer continues on next page.)