Innovative Care for Colorectal Cancers
Welcome to the Colorectal Oncology Program at Westchester Medical Center Cancer Center, where patients receive excellent care for cancers and tumors of the colon, rectum and anus. Our team of surgeons are renowned for pioneering techniques in laparoscopic-assisted colorectal surgery.
Colon, Anal and Rectal Cancers Treated
The colorectal cancer specialists at Westchester Medical Center and other locations within the network diagnose and treat a full range of colorectal and anal cancers, including the following. For additional information on how colorectal cancer is treated by our interdisciplinary team of oncologists, radiologists, and colorectal surgeons, view the Colorectal Cancer Treatments tab above.
In addition to surgically treating cancers, specialists in the Westchester Medical Center Health Network provide individualized staging and genetic testing when indicated. Patients can be offered innovative treatment approaches, in addition to standard operative and chemotherapy regimens.
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon, which is part of the large intestine. Signs and symptoms of colon cancer may include changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and fatigue. Many colon cancers are asymptomatic and discovered on routine screening. If caught early, colon cancer is highly treatable, so it's important to undergo regular screenings and to be proactive about your health. We offer screening colonoscopies in addition to scoping symptomatic patients. All patients age 45 and older should undergo screening colonoscopy unless recommended earlier screening by their physician.
Providers offer a range of screening options, including colonoscopies, at multiple locations throughout the Hudson Valley. Screenings may help detect colon cancer in its early stages. (Select a location from the tab above.) If you are diagnosed with colon cancer, our team of specialists in the Colorectal Oncology Program will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that accounts for your individual needs and circumstances. We are here to provide you with support and guidance throughout your journey and help manage any side effects that may occur during treatment.
Rectal Cancer
Rectal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the rectum, which is the last part of the large intestine that connects to the anus. Many rectal cancers are asymptomatic and most are detected in routine screenings. Symptoms of rectal cancer can include rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, a change in bowel habits, and the feeling of a mass in the rectum. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor may perform a physical exam and request imaging tests, such as a colonoscopy, CT scan or MRI, to diagnose the cancer. If you are diagnosed with rectal cancer, treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. The type of treatment you receive will depend on the stage and type of rectal cancer you have. Early detection and treatment of rectal cancer can greatly improve your outcome.
Our surgeons are known for expertise in performing an advanced rectal cancer treatment surgery known as intersphincteric resection (ISR), as well as minimally invasive, non-incision transanal surgery. With the ISR procedure, some individuals with rectal cancer can receive treatment that does not require a permanent colostomy bag.
Anal Cancer
Anal cancer is a relatively uncommon form of cancer, but its incidence is increasing. Unlike other colorectal cancers, which originate in glands, almost all instances of anal cancer are squamous cell cancers, which means they originate in the skin. The majority of anal cancers are related to HPV (human papillomavirus). Some high-risk individuals can be screened and treated for pre-malignant anal lesions.
Symptoms of anal cancer can include pain or pressure in the anus, bleeding, and a lump or mass that can be felt. If you have any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor right away. Your doctor may perform a physical exam and request imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, to confirm the diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with anal cancer, your treatment will depend on the stage and type of cancer you have. The majority of patients are treated non-operatively with cure rates over 80 percent. Surgery is typically reserved for persistent or recurring disease. Early detection and treatment can greatly improve your outcome.
Hereditary Colorectal Cancer
Hereditary colorectal cancer is a type of colorectal cancer that runs in some families. It is caused by an inherited gene mutation. People with a family history of colorectal cancer, especially multiple close relatives, may be at an increased risk for developing the disease. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, it is important to discuss screening testing, such as colonoscopy, and genetic testing with your doctor. Genetic testing can help determine if you carry a gene mutation that increases your risk for developing colorectal cancer and other cancers. If you are found to carry a gene mutation, your doctor may recommend increased screening and surveillance to detect the cancer at an early stage. Early detection and treatment of hereditary colorectal cancer can greatly improve your outcome. If you have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, it’s important to determine if your loved ones may be at increased risk for cancer.
Colorectal Cancer in IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) Patients
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. If you have inflammatory bowel disease, it's important to undergo regular screenings for colorectal cancer. Symptoms of colorectal cancer can include changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and fatigue. If caught early, colorectal cancer is treatable, which is why adhering to screening guidelines is so important.
The Colorectal Oncology Program at Westchester Medical Center Cancer Center offers a range of screening options, including colonoscopies, to help detect colorectal cancer in its early stages. Our team of colorectal specialists will work with you to develop a personalized screening plan.
Colorectal Cancer Treatments
Colorectal oncologists in the Westchester Medical Center Health Network provide a range of treatments for cancers of the colon, rectum and anus. Providers take a multidisciplinary approach, collaborating across specialties to provide the customized care each patient deserves for the best possible outcome. Some colorectal cancer treatments used at Westchester Medical Center include:
Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery
Intracorporeal laparoscopic colorectal surgery is a highly specialized procedure developed by Westchester Medical Center’s Dr. Roberto Bergamaschi, who has authored more than 300 academic papers on the subject.
In the past, patients with colorectal cancer typically had two options for the surgical removal of cancerous tumors and lymph nodes in the colon: open surgery or laparoscopic-assisted surgery. In conventional open surgery, a large abdominal incision is required; in some cases this incision leads to the development of painful scar tissue, increased risk of hernia and infection. In laparoscopic-assisted colorectal surgery, the surgeon uses a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) to access the colon with a minimal incision and perform the surgical repair outside the body.
Intracorporeal laparoscopic colorectal surgery is an improvement upon the laparoscopic technique in which the surgeon operates on the colon while it remains inside the body. This approach allows for increased visibility, accuracy, and control. With the intracorporeal approach, better visibility may lead to a higher rate of lymph node removal. Additionally, this approach is associated with fewer postoperative risks, such as bleeding, infection, pain and scarring. The updated laparoscopic approach also lessens the risk for adhesions, which can cause small bowel obstructions in the years following colorectal surgery.
Robotic Surgery
Robotic assistance is frequently used by surgeons for greater precision and fewer or smaller incisions. In addition to being used in laparoscopic colorectal surgery (see above), robotic technologies may be used in procedures such as transanal robotic surgery, an intervention that allows surgeons to endoscopically remove rectal tumors without the need for an abdominal incision.
Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS)
Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery, also known as TAMIS, allows for removal of lesions in the lower portion of the large intestine without the need for conventional abdominal surgery. This incision-less approach allows the provider to completely remove lesions without a prolonged recovery time or hospitalization. Most patients may even be discharged the same day. While this option is beneficial for some patients, it is up to your provider to determine if this is appropriate for you.
Locally Invasive Tumor Management
We employ a multi-disciplinary approach with cancer surgeons from colorectal surgery, gynecology, urology, surgical oncology, orthopedics and vascular surgery. This allows us to achieve the best chance for complete removal of your cancer. This is part of a combined treatment plan which may also involve treatment with chemotherapy and radiation.
Reoperative Surgery
For patients who have a recurrent tumor or have experienced complications following an initial surgery, the colorectal surgeons at Westchester Medical Center are experienced in complex reoperative surgery.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a type of treatment that may be recommended for patients with colorectal cancer. It works by using drugs to kill the cancer cells and stop them from growing and spreading. Chemotherapy is often used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation therapy, to provide the best possible outcome. Westchester Medical Center offers a range of chemotherapy options for patients with colorectal cancer, including intravenous and oral chemotherapy. Newer therapies including immunotherapy may be used to treat your cancer if it is indicated. Our team of physicians and staff will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that is right for you, while offering support every step of the way.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is a type of treatment that uses intensely targeted radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink cancerous tumors. It may be recommended for patients with rectal cancer, including certain types of metastatic growths. Radiotherapy is often used in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or surgery, to increase the effectiveness of treatment and improve outcomes for patients. Westchester Medical Center has a team of expert radiation oncologists who are highly trained in the use of radiotherapy for rectal cancer. We use advanced equipment and techniques to deliver precise, targeted doses of radiation to the affected areas of the colon or rectum. Our team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that is right for you. We are here to support you throughout the process and to help manage any side effects that may arise during your radiotherapy colon cancer treatment.
Palliation
Palliative care involves optimizing quality of life. Occasionally, cancers other than colon or rectal cancers may directly involve the large intestine. This may include gynecologic cancers, urologic and kidney cancers, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer and lymphoma, among others. These malignancies can often present with blockage, bleeding, or erosion of the large intestine. We will work alongside experts in those fields to help control the patient’s disease while directly addressing its impact on the colon. Non-operative therapies including colonoscopic stenting and radiation may be used to help alleviate symptoms.
Contact Us
To refer a patient or request an appointment, please contact the Westchester Medical Center Colorectal Oncology Program, which serves patients at the following locations.
WMCHealth Physicians
MidHudson Regional Hospital
Atrium Building
1 Webster Ave., Suite 502
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Phone: 845.483.5741
Fax: 845.483.5713
Westchester Medical Center
Ambulatory Care Pavilion
100 Woods Road, 3rd Floor
Valhalla, NY 10595
Phone: 914.909.6416
Fax: 914.909.6417
WMCHealth Physicians
HealthAlliance
40 Hurley Avenue, 2nd Floor Suite 5
Kingston, NY 12401
Phone: 914.909.6416
Fax: 914.909.6417
WMCHealth Physicians
Advanced Physician Services
8 Technology Drive, Ground Floor Suite 100
East Setauket, NY 11733
Phone: 914.909.6416
Fax: 914.909.6417
Our Providers
Meet the physicians in Westchester Medical Center’s Colorectal Oncology Program.
- Surgery
- Colon & Rectal Surgery