Understanding Stage 4 Colon Cancer – What You Need to Know?
Introduction
Facing a diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer can be overwhelming and terrifying. However, understanding the disease and knowing what to expect can help ease some of the anxiety surrounding it. In this blog post, we will delve into all you need to know about stage 4 colon cancer – from its symptoms and treatment options to tips for living with it. Let’s arm ourselves with knowledge and face this challenge head-on together.
What is Stage 4 Colon Cancer?
Stage 4 colon cancer, also known as metastatic or advanced colon cancer, is the most advanced stage of colon cancer. At this stage, the cancer has spread from the colon to other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, or distant lymph nodes.
Colon cancer typically begins as small growths called polyps in the lining of the colon or rectum. These polyps are usually benign but can become cancerous over time. If left untreated, these cancerous cells can grow and spread to other body parts.
In stage 4 colon cancer, the tumor has grown through several layers of tissue in the colon and has invaded nearby organs or tissues. Additionally, it may have spread to distant organs through a process known as metastasis.
The symptoms of stage 4 colon cancer may vary depending on where the tumor has spread. Some common symptoms include persistent abdominal pain or discomfort, unexplained weight loss, changes in bowel habits (such as constipation or diarrhea), fatigue, weakness, or dizziness due to anemia caused by internal bleeding from tumors in the intestine.
To diagnose stage 4 colon cancer, a doctor may perform various tests, including a physical exam and imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs, to determine how far and where exactly it has spread. A biopsy will also be taken to confirm that it is indeed colorectal cancer.
Once diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, treatment options will depend on various factors, such as age and overall health condition, along with how far and where exactly it has spread. Generally speaking, chemotherapy is often used for treating this type of advanced cancer because it targets rapidly dividing cells throughout your body – which includes any remaining tumor cells that might have escaped primary treatment methods such as surgery.
How does stage 4 differ from other stages?
Stage 4 colon cancer, also known as metastatic colon cancer, is the most advanced stage of the disease. At this stage, the cancer has spread from the colon to other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, or even bones. It is considered a life-threatening condition and requires immediate and aggressive treatment.
Unlike earlier stages of colon cancer, where surgery may be enough to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue, stage 4 requires a combination of treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The goal of these treatments is not only to slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells but also to improve the quality of life for patients.
One key difference between stage 4 and earlier stages is that treatment at this stage focuses on managing symptoms rather than curing the disease. This does not mean that survival is not possible – in fact, some patients do go into remission or live with their disease for many years – but it depends on various factors such as overall health status and response to treatment.
Another important difference between stage 4 and other stages lies in its prognosis. Stage 4 colon cancer has a lower survival rate compared to earlier stages because it has already spread beyond the primary site. According to statistics from the American Cancer Society (ACS), about 14% of people diagnosed with this stage survive five years or more after diagnosis. However, it’s worth noting that these numbers are constantly changing due to advancements in treatment options.
In addition to different treatment approaches and prognoses, there are also notable differences in symptoms experienced at each stage. In earlier stages of colon cancer (stages 0-3), symptoms may include changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea), blood in stool, abdominal pain or cramping, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss, among others.
However at stage 4 when cancer has spread beyond the colon into other organs like the liver or lungs there may be additional symptoms such as jaundice, difficulty breathing, persistent cough, bone pain, and neurological issues. The type and severity of symptoms depend on the organs involved and their function.
Causes and Risk Factors of Colon Cancer
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women worldwide. It occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lining of the colon or rectum, forming a tumor. While the exact cause of colon cancer is still unknown, certain risk factors have been identified that can increase an individual’s likelihood of developing this disease.
- Genetic Factors
Individuals with a family history of colon cancer are at a higher risk for developing the disease themselves. Studies have shown that having a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with colon cancer increases one’s risk by two to three times. Also, certain genetic conditions, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome can significantly increase the chances of developing this type of cancer.
- Age
The majority of cases of colon cancer occur in people over 50 years old, with the average age at diagnosis being 72 years old. However, it is not uncommon for younger individuals to be diagnosed with this disease as well.
- Lifestyle Choices
Research has shown that unhealthy lifestyle habits can contribute to an increased risk of colon cancer. These include a diet high in red and processed meats, smoking cigarettes, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity.
- Medical History
Certain medical conditions can also increase one’s chances of developing stage-I colon cancer. These include inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract.
- Ethnicity
Studies have found that individuals of African-American descent are more likely to develop stage colon cancer compared to other ethnicities. It is important to note that having these risk factors does not necessarily mean one will develop stage colon cancer; it simply increases their chances compared to those without any risk factors.
Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the third most common type of cancer in both men and women. It occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the colon or rectum, part of the digestive system. The earlier colon cancer is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment and recovery. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of its signs and symptoms.
One of the earliest signs of colon cancer is a change in bowel habits. This includes persistent diarrhea or constipation that lasts more than a few days without any other apparent cause. Additionally, if you notice your stool becoming narrower than usual or experiencing difficulties passing stool, it could be an indication of a blockage caused by a tumor.
Another warning sign is rectal bleeding or blood in your stool. While this could also be due to other less serious conditions, such as hemorrhoids, it should not be ignored and should prompt further investigation from your doctor.
Unexplained weight loss can also be a symptom of colon cancer. If you have lost 5% or more of your body weight without trying in a span of 6 months to a year, it could indicate an underlying health issue, including cancer.
Abdominal discomfort such as cramps, bloating, gas pains, or feeling full even after eating small meals may also occur with colon cancer. These symptoms are often associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) but if they persist for an extended period despite changes in diet or medication, consult your doctor for further evaluation.
Fatigue and weakness may also accompany advanced stages of colon cancer due to blood loss from internal bleeding caused by tumors.
In some cases, people with stage colon cancer may experience no noticeable symptoms at all until their condition has progressed significantly. Regular screenings are essential even if you do not have any symptoms as early detection significantly increases survival rates.
Diagnostic Tests for Stage 4 Colon Cancer
If you are experiencing symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain or discomfort, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue, your doctor may recommend diagnostic tests to check for suspected stage colon cancer. These tests can help determine the extent of the disease and guide appropriate treatment.
Here are some of the standard diagnostic tests used for detecting stage colon cancer:
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for screening and diagnosing colon cancer. During this procedure, a thin tube with a camera on its end (colonoscope) is inserted through the anus into your colon to examine the entire length of your large intestine. The doctor can also take tissue samples (biopsies) if any suspicious areas are found during this test.
Sigmoidoscopy
Similar to a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy uses a flexible tube with a camera to examine only the lower part of your large intestine (sigmoid colon). This test is usually recommended when symptoms occur near the rectum.
Stool Tests
These non-invasive tests look for hidden blood or DNA changes that may indicate precancerous growths or cancers in your stool sample. Fecal occult blood test (FOBT), fecal immunochemical test (FIT), and stool DNA test are examples of stool tests used for screening and diagnosing stage colon cancer.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests such as CT scan, MRI scan, or PET scan can provide detailed images of your organs to determine if cancer has spread (metastasis) to other parts of your body. These tests are also helpful in planning treatment and monitoring the response to therapy.
Blood Tests
Blood tests like carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) measure the level of a protein produced by some colon cancers. A high CEA level may suggest the presence or recurrence of cancer, but it can also be elevated in non-cancerous conditions.
Virtual Colonoscopy
Also known as CT colonography, this test uses a CT scanner and computer software to create detailed images of your colon and rectum without inserting a scope into your body. It is an alternative for those who cannot undergo traditional colonoscopy due to specific medical reasons.
Conclusion
Early detection through these diagnostic tests is crucial for successful treatment and improved outcomes in stage colon cancer patients. If you experience any symptoms or have risk factors for colon cancer, consult your doctor for appropriate screening tests at the recommended age. Remember, prevention and early detection are vital to fighting against this deadly disease.
Related Articles:
- What Is The Longest Someone Has Lived With Stage 4 Colon Cancer?
- How I Knew I Had Colon Cancer?
- Understanding Stage 3 Colon Cancer
- At-Home Colon Cancer Testing
Health Sources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325230
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/treating/by-stage-colon.html
https://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/colon-cancer-liver-metastasis-outlook
https://www.healthline.com/health/colorectal-cancer/stage-4-colon-cancer-symptoms
https://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal/patient/colon-treatment-pdq
