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A Breakdown of the Costs of Colorectal Cancer Treatment

Last updated: 04/08/2009

Introduction to Colorectal Cancer Surgery
 
Colorectal cancer can be broken down into colon cancer and rectal cancer, but because tumors that develop in these areas often affect multiple connected structures, the category has been used to encompass all of them. Colorectal cancer develops from growths in the colon, rectum, and appendix, and is the third most common form of cancer. These growths often begin as small, benign polyps, but may become malignant over time. Thus, impeding the progress of colorectal cancer is a matter of careful, constant monitoring, often with the assistance of colonoscopies and laparoscopic devices. Despite the best of efforts, however, colorectal cancer is extremely prevalent.
 
 
A Breakdown of the Costs of Colorectal Cancer Treatment
 
Because colorectal cancer is so involved and has the tendency to invade multiple structures, treatment plans are often extremely complex. Unless caught very early, colorectal cancer will spread and make simple excision through surgical means almost impossible. Thus, a number of costs apart from the surgeon’s fee must be taken into account:
 
  • Chemotherapy fees
  • Drug fees
  • Radiation therapy fees
  • Hospital fees
  • Anesthesiologist fees
 
Depending on the stage and site of cancerous growths, a number of different methods of attack are presented as options:
 
  • Polypectomies are used in very early stage cancers and remove the entire cancerous polyp using a colonoscope.
  • Anterior resections and lower anterior resections remove the cancer as well as other tissue and lymph nodes, and then reconnect the remaining colon.
  • Abdominal perineal resections are for cancers located extremely close to the anus in which the entire rectum and anus must be removed. Such a procedure requires that the patient receive a colostomy to remove waste through other channels.
  • Minimally invasive surgeries use laparoscopic devices so that the incision is smaller and the healing process quicker.
 
The dizzying array of possibilities, stemming from factors such as the type of colorectal cancer and the combination of treatment options, makes estimating costs almost impossible. To get a truly accurate figure, it’s best to consult your surgeon.
 
Insurance and Colorectal Cancer Surgery
 
Most insurance covers not only surgery to address colorectal cancer, but also a bevy of preventative tests to detect colorectal cancer. These can span everything from invasive resections to simple colonoscopies. Less certain is whether or not your healthcare provider can cover all the additional costs listed above, including drugs, post-operation treatments, and the costs of surgical complications. Discuss your colorectal cancer treatment with both your surgeon and your insurance provider to optimize the benefits and streamline the costs—you might find that switching a few small details here and there can make a huge difference. Knowledge is power in this case, so use it to your fullest advantage.
 
Even for the uninsured, the possibility of colorectal cancer surgery should not be eliminated. Ask your surgical center for payment plans custom designed for cases like yours. There are long-term packages, flexible plans, and medical loans that can keep colorectal cancer surgery a viable option.


Last Updated: 04/08/2009

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