Colon Cancer Stages

Question: What are the different stages of colon cancer? My dad had a portion of his colon removed. The doctor said he's 98% sure it's cancer and they're going to see whether it's reached stage 3 or not. Do you think if it's reached stage 4 they would have known already? He's had a CT scan before his surgery...would it have been detected from that??

Answer: YES. If it is stage 3 or 4 cancer he would definetely known about it early. Even in the CT also it will be shown clearly. Anyway, you doctor is the best judge and he will do the needful. I am giving below the details of different stages of Colon cancer just for your information - People who have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at an increased risk of developing colon cancer. While colon cancer is among the most preventable of cancers, it is often not diagnosed until symptoms become apparent or bothersome. By that time, the colon cancer may be in a more advanced stage. Colorectal cancer has four distinct stages, along with a fifth stage that is called 'recurring'. Each stage has different treatment options and five-year survival rate. Stage 0 This is the earliest stage of colorectal cancer. The cancer only involves the lining, or mucosa, of the colon or rectum and is confined to polyp(s) (tissue bulging from the surface of an organ). When the polyps are removed during a colonoscopy (a procedure known as a polypectomy), the chance of them progressing to later stages of cancer is eliminated. Stage I Stage I colon cancer involves more than just the inner lining of the colon. The polyp has progressed to a tumor, and extends into the wall of the colon or rectum. Treatment can include surgery to remove the section of the colon that is cancerous. This type of surgery is called a resection. The healthy, non-cancerous sections of the colon are reconnected again. The five-year survival rate is 95 percent. Stage II Stage II colorectal cancer is when the cancer has spread beyond the colon to the tissue that surrounds the colon but has not spread to lymph nodes. Cancer spreading in this manner from one part of the body to another is called metastasis. A resection surgery may also be used to treat this stage of cancer. The five-year survival rate drops dramatically to 60 percent. Stage III Cancer that has spread outside the colon and on to the lymph nodes in the area surrounding the colon is known as Stage III. In this stage, the cancer has not spread to other organs in the body, and treatment is more aggressive. Surgical resection of the colon, chemotherapy, and other medical therapies may be necessary. The five-year survival rate is 35 to 60 percent. Stage IV In this stage, the cancer had spread to other organs in the body such as the lungs or liver. In addition to a surgical resection and chemotherapy, radiation treatment and surgery to remove other affected parts of the body may be necessary. At this stage, there is only a 3 percent chance of reaching the five-year survival time. Recurrent Cancer Cancer that comes back again after treatment, either in the colon, or in some other part of the body, is called recurrent. Even after successful treatment of colon cancer, regular check ups are necessary to catch any recurrent cancer early. In the early stages, colon cancer is one of the most curable cancers. In the later - it is the second most deadly. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in America (lung cancer is the first). Contrary to popular belief, only 15 percent of colon cancer patients must have a permanent colostomy.-

Question: What are the stages of colon,prostate, and lung cancer.? My dad was diagnosed of lung , and prostate or colon cancer on januarary 18, 2008. What stage cane he be in right now ?

Answer: check out these research groups http://boinc.bakerlab.org/rosetta/ http://folding.stanford.edu/

Question: how long can you live with colon cancer stage four and luekemia ? my dad has stage four colon cancer and was diagnosed in mid december. its spread to his liver and lungs and part of his stomach. he also has luekemia. what is the longest he could live with certain treatments?

Answer: No one can give you an estimate time on your dad's life. Every individual is different and every persons body reacts differently. In the meantime it would be good for your dad to try and keep his nutrition healthy and he might even try anti-oxidants to help slow down the process of the cancer spreading. Anti- oxidants bind with free radicals and definetly helps to slow down the process. Your dad's condition is serious and advanced. Prepare yourself and accept the fact that he has this disease and ensure spending lots of time with him.Prevention is always better than cure

Question: What is the best treatment for Colon cancer stage 4? Wheter surgery or chemotherapy? Else suggestion, please? Thanks some how there is a puncture in the liver Thanx a lot ;) Thank you for the answer Grizzler..... I appreciated it much. What is the % chances of success in Colon Cancer Treament? Thanks heckkon.... :) Thank you Yagen :)

Answer: The below suggestions highlight why internet searches can be harmful to people. Unfortunately, the likelyhood is that with stage 4 (Dukes D) colonic cancer, there will be no curative treatment. It has spread to other organs, most commonly the liver, but also the lungs and potentially the bones. The latter two are less common, but are more common in rectal cancers. Treatment options. Most of the time the primary bowel tumour will be removed, mainly to prevent the chance of obstruction of the bowel, which can obviously cause major problems. At the operation, the extent of the liver mets will also be assessed, sometimes using intra-operative USS, other times just manually feeling the liver. If there is a solitary lesion, or multiple lesions in one lobe of the liver, then there is a chance of curative treatment. An MRI will usually be performed as it gives finer detail of the liver and ensures there are no other smaller mets not visible on CT or other modes of imaging. Post bowel surgery, normally give chemotherapy (several regimens available) and then re-scan to see if the liver disease has changed in the interval. If it is still deemed operable, then hepatectomy may be possible if there is enough residual liver left. If as is most often the case, liver surgery is not possible, then post resection chemotherapy will be offered, with the hope of improving the survival. If bowel surgery is not an option, then palliative chemotherapy will be offered, sometimes with radiotherapy depending on the site of the tumour, and the symptoms.

Question: what are the chances of recovery from stage 4 colon cancer? i have an aunt who is diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. According to the doctor, the tumor is quite large and surgery is out of the question because it will cause massive bleeding. It scared us all. Is there anyone out there who has come across or know anyone with this stage of cancer and survived?

Answer: "BSherman's" answer is superb - and indeed some patients with stage 4 colon carcinoma do survive for 1 to 2 years - but what you describe sounds like it may be a shorter prognosis. I would suggest being prepared for something in the order of months rather than years. I hope I am wrong in this estimation. Just being honest with my experience of 20 years as a cancer specialist doctor. A large tumor volume and no chance of surgery is a bad sign. If she has significant liver or lung involvement, less than a year is expected. But we doctors NEVER know exactly how long any person may have - even the doctors who know the details of the case - which we do not. I would rather be prepared for the worst and be pleasantly surprised if things turn out better.

Question: How deadly is stage four colon cancer? What is chance of survival? I have a friend who was last week diagnosed with stage four cancer, that started in her colon and spread to her ovaries, liver and parts of her stomach. She is a 23 year old young beautiful girl! How does this happen to such a young person? Cancer really is a silent killer - she had no idea until she collapsed in an airport last week. I would like to know what the survival chances are for stage 4 cancer victims?? =(

Answer: Unfortunately, when it is detected at later stages (when distant metastases are present) it is less likely to be curable. Distant metastases means it has spread to the liver, stomach etc. Pray for her and her family and be strong for her. I hope that she is right with God, because he will ease her pain. God Bless, and prayers for you all.

Question: how long could you live with colon cancer at stage 4? how can you cure spreaded colon cancer on a 31 year old? how long could you live with colon cancer at stage 4? how can you cure spreaded colon cancer on a 31 year old?

Answer: Know a former 30 something stage 4 breast cancer survivor---she is in her 50's now

Question: What are the survivar rates for stage 4 colon cancer? My grandma just found out she has stage 4 colon cancer. Have you or anyone you know had stage 4 colon cancer and know the survival rates? Other than the cancer she is failry healthy. Thanks!

Answer: 5 year survival is not 50%, closer to 10% or less. Average survival is about 2 years, meaning half live longer. This assumes patients go through the usual drugs of 5FU, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, avastin, and erbitux. While the treatment can be tough, others tolerate amazingly well and preserve a very good quality of life. Treatments are definitely worth trying at least. I have many older patients with metastatic colorectal cancer- they frequently do very well with treatment. Blessings

Question: my cousin was diagnosis with colon cancer stage 3 of 4. Is this deadly? It has spread to Lymph notes? they are going to start chemo and radiation at the same time. She says shes in pain. That the cancer is hurting her.

Answer: It can be deadly and yes the lymph nodes would be involved. However, most of your statement does not make sense. There is no stage 3 colon cancer, there is a 3A, 3B and 3C. Lymph nodes are involved in all of them and the 5-year survival rate ranges from 80-50%. It is very unusual for chemo and radiation to be done at the same time and the tumor should have been removed so the cancer should not be causing her pain.

Question: At what stage does colon cancer become fatal? A relative of mine has stage 3 colon cancer. I don't know the details, but could somebody tell me when colon cancer becomes fatal and what this person can likely expect to happen in the future?

Answer: At stage 3, colon cancer does not have to be fatal. Surgery can be done where that part of the colon is removed and all surrounding colon that harbor the cancer cells. The bad side of this is a colostomy bag. The patient will more than likely have to wear one. The good side to this is they can live a long life with colostomy bags. So think positive because everyone is different and can tolerate illness differently than others. Just remember, 3rd stage does not have be a death sentence. If my sister can live through 4th stage ovarian cancer, so can your relative. There are never any guarantees and No one can give you one. Just pray and trust all is in God's hands.

Question: How bad is it when doctors use radiation as treatment for stage 4 colon cancer? My best friend has stage 4 colon cancer. She's only 24 years old. She told me that they are going to start radiation, what does that mean? I read about how they do it, but how bad does it have to be before they do radiation?

Answer: Just as the poster before me, they do radiation even for Stage 2 cancers. I have to get radiation for Stage 3B Breast Cancer I was officially diagnosed as cancer free but I have still have to go thrut he radiation as a safety measure. All Stage 4 cancer is bad but that does not mean that she can't beat it--people beat statistics all the time. Keep a positive attitude and my thoughts and prayers are with you and her and the family during this difficult time.

Question: Colon Cancer? My father has been defecating blood since january. A bit in January of 2007 so he went to see a doctor. The doctor told him nothing was detected and he gave my father some pills. The bleeding stopped for some time. Now its august and he has been defecating a lot of blood for the past weekend. So he is going to see a doctor tomorow. The blood is bright red and I am afraid he might be diagnosed with colon cancer. Aside from the blood, the only other symptom I can find is the reduced size of his stools. I know that it might be some others diseases but obviously, colon cancer is the worst. I know early stages of colon cancer can be treated easily, but given the situation (occasional bleeding in january, off, then again a lot in august), if worst comes to worst, he is diagnosed, what stage do you think he is in now? This is a real situation, please no jokes. Thanks

Answer: I assume that your father is an older person. I do not know what you mean by "nothing is detected". From what? Physical examination or an invasive procedure such as colonoscopy? I can not judge from the history that you have presented but your physician must have done several tests to rule out the possibility of colon cancer. Colorectal cancer will be one of the things a physician will rule out because of the bleeding and the age of your father. Of course only your physician will know what he felt upon palpation of your fathers abdomen, about the lifestyle (smoker vs. non smoker), the eating habits, among others. One of the most significant signs of any cancer is significant weight loss. Again, only your physician can tell you if your father had that based on his clinical records. Colorectal CA is the worst that can happen but on the other side of the spectrum, reduced size of his stools and blood can also mean that your father is consipated. He might have a hard time defacating, hence injuring the epithelium of his rectum. Also a sign of constipation is the small, hard stools. Regarding staging of colorectal cancer, it will depend on the histopathological characteristics of the tumor, presence of lymph nodes and metastasis. Staging is important in the further treatment (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy) for the patient.

Question: How long does someone in stage 4 colon cancer have to live? My dad was just diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. I've done some research and read a few answers here on yahoo. Everyone is saying that this is "a death sentence". I was wondering if anyone knows how long the average life expectancy is of someone with stage four colon cancer...it has spread to the liver and lungs as well.

Answer: I dont like putting a date on these kinds of situations, but unfortunately this type of Cancer can be particularly savage and can be quite swift, in as far as some as the cases i have seen and been involved with, (i am a community care worker) Some i have been involved with, can hold on for 3 or 4 years if they are quite healthy, if not they can go as quickly as 6 months from diagnosis.......I apologize for being the bearer of bad news, but the best you can do for your dad is to be there for him, allow him that time to greive, the greiving process is goind to take him through some pretty strong emotions, so you are really going to need to be there for him during this stage, even if you are dealing with your own issues in regards to grief..... and to be close to all of his family, hold his hand when he wants to, and just let him know you love him......other than that i can offer some website that will also give you some pointers as to how to deal with this issue. They are.......Paliative care explained...involves grief processes and how to deal with death..... http://www.disability.vic.gov.au/dsonline/dsarticles.nsf/(Pages)/Palliative_care_explained?OpenDocument Grief and bereavement http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/179_06_150903/mad10520_fm.html

Question: What side effects should one expect with chemotherapy for stage-4 colon cancer? My loved one has stage-4 colon cancer. They removed 18" of his colon, but it has spread to the liver and throughout his abdomen. Please help me to know what to expect. He starts chemo tomorrow. Any knowledge would be most appreciated.

Answer: that depends on the chemo regiment that he's put on, but I'll agree with fatigue and nausea being the most common side effects.

Question: Can anyone tell me what the prognosis is for someone who has stage II colon cancer? I'm sorry that I can't phrase that a little bit less harsh, but I have recently found out someone that I know has stage II colon cancer. He has had surgery and is in round 2 of a six month chemo treatment. Will my friend survive? For how long?

Answer: Most cancers are measured in survival 5-year survival rates. This is the percentage of people alive 5 years after being diagnosed with the same kind and stage of cancer. Stage 2A colon cancers have a 5-year survival rate of 80% and 2B has a 75% survival rate. Long term survival depends on how well they respond to treatment. If is not uncommon for some cancers such as breast cancer or melanoma to recur 10-15 years later. This is not the case with colon cancers when they recur it is usually within 2-4 years.

Question: What is the survival rate of stage 3 colon cancer? My friend is a 45 year old male, late stage 3 colon cancer. It is close to the anus and they might have to remove the anus as well. He is in decent physical shape (slightly pudgy), and has started working out. He looks fine right now but he is going to start chemo later today. what should I expect? What will he go through? Will my buddy Al survive? -Mike

Answer: His chances are fairly good IF HE FOLLOWS his medical plan. It is so important not to miss treatments and speak to him about a med that will bring up his red cell count, the doctors know what it is. I wish you both alot of success