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What is Metastatic Colon Cancer?

Dulce Corazon
Dulce Corazon

Colon cancer is the abnormal proliferation or growth of cancer cells in the large intestines, also known as the colon. A tumor in the colon usually starts in the lining of the large intestines. When colon cancer spreads to adjacent tissues and invade other organs in the body, it is called a metastatic colon cancer. Metastatic colon cancer is also a stage IV colon cancer.

A metastatic colon cancer usually occurs when cancer cells break off from their original site in the colon. Cancer cells then travel through the lymph nodes or the bloodstream and reach other parts of the body where they frequently form new cancerous growths. When metastasis or spread affects the vital organs such as the liver or the lungs, the chances for a complete cure is generally poor.

CT scans can be very helpful to assess the possible spread of colon cancer.
CT scans can be very helpful to assess the possible spread of colon cancer.

Some symptoms of colon cancer are unexplained loss of weight, abdominal pain, and the passing of pencil-like stools, which are sometimes stained with blood. Most symptoms of metastatic colon cancer often depend on the part of the body to which the cancer spreads. Those sites can include the liver, bones, and lungs.

In addition to the colon cancer symptoms, metastatic colon cancer in the liver also causes jaundice or yellowing of the skin and eyes. Edema or swelling of the feet as well as ascitis, which is the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, are also often present. Cancer spreading to the lungs frequently manifests with breathing difficulty and chest pain. Bone pains, as well as weakness, are often the signs of bone involvement.

A yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes could be caused by colon cancer.
A yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes could be caused by colon cancer.

Metastatic colon cancer can be diagnosed with the use of blood tests and other diagnostic examinations. A liver function test is usually performed to assess the state of the liver. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan and ultrasound are also often helpful in evaluating the area for the possible spread of colon cancer.

A variety of treatment options are usually available to the patient. Metastatic colon cancer spreading to the liver may be treated by removing the involved portion through surgery, by ablation or burning of the tumor and by cryotherapy, which is done by freezing the tumor. Chemotherapy with radiation may also be used.

Metastatic colon cancer can be diagnosed with the use of blood tests and other diagnostic examinations.
Metastatic colon cancer can be diagnosed with the use of blood tests and other diagnostic examinations.

Management of metastatic colon cancer is usually done by a team of medical practitioners. These include the gastroenterologists, doctors who specialize in gastrointestinal tract diseases; surgeons; and oncologists, doctors who treat cancer patients. When the cancer has reach the lungs, a pulmonologist or doctor with specialization in the respiratory tract, is also often called.

Discussion Comments

golf07

Even if there is no history of colon cancer in your family and you are having abdominal symptoms or abnormal bowels I would not put off getting yourself checked.

We had a friend who was having these symptoms for months before seeing a doctor. By the time he was first seen, he already had stage 4 metastatic colon cancer. He went through surgery and treatment, but did not have many months to live after that.

That is why I recommend people at least get checked right away, so you know for sure what is going on and can begin treatment right away if needed.

SarahSon

Receiving a diagnosis of metastatic colon cancer is a scary thing. I have been through this with my brother who was having symptoms for some time before getting checked. After the surgery, he also had to go through rounds of chemotherapy.

The thing with metastatic cancer is that by the time they find it, the cancer has already begun to spread to other parts of the body.

I don't know what the statistics for metastatic colon cancer survival rates are, but when it is your family member it takes on a whole new meaning.

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    • CT scans can be very helpful to assess the possible spread of colon cancer.
      By: Tyler Olson
      CT scans can be very helpful to assess the possible spread of colon cancer.
    • A yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes could be caused by colon cancer.
      By: Oleksii Sergieiev
      A yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes could be caused by colon cancer.
    • Metastatic colon cancer can be diagnosed with the use of blood tests and other diagnostic examinations.
      By: rob3000
      Metastatic colon cancer can be diagnosed with the use of blood tests and other diagnostic examinations.