STAGE 4 COLON CANCER
Categories: Uncategorized | November 21st, 2007 | by admin | no comments
Stage 4 colon cancer is the most serious form of colon cancer. In stage 4 colon cancer the cancer cells have grown into the lymph nodes as well as other areas of the body. In stage 4 colon cancer the cells have grown into several layers of the body’s tissues and other organs. The cancer causes a noticeable change in the bowel habits of the individual affected with it. Common symptoms include: Diarrhea, bloody stool, and constipation.
Fortunately, there is hope for colon cancer. Even at a stage 4 level of colon cancer a procedure called a surgical resection can be performed to take out the area that has been affected with this cancer. The other parts of the colon are joined together to allow somewhat proper function in the person that the surgery is performed upon. Chemotherapy is used as well as radiation to ensure no new growth of cancer cells.
The survival rate is around 12% in those with stage 4 colon cancer. This is the percentage of people that are still around following five years of a past diagnosis with this type of cancer. The major factors that affect a person’s rate of survival are: colon screenings, which colon area is affected, how far the cancer has spread, and the country of the person’s residence.
It is very stressing and scary to be told that you have stage 4 colon cancer but with the right treatment options, there is a chance that this can be removed. Remember that, even at a stage 4 diagnosis of colon cancer, there are options for complete removal of the cancer. This form of cancer is not a fast growing form and, therefore, the person affected by it does have time to seek out all of the interventions and options that are available to them. It is important to see several specialists and research all of the options available to find out which may be best. The chance for survival only exists is there is hope within the person who is affected.