Colon cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the colon and bowel area. When the cancer spreads outside of the colon, it is considered to have metastasized. Colon cancer is highly treatable when it is found early, and is contained or localized. Once it has spread, it can be difficult to treat. Knowing what the signs are, how to get tested and how to treat metastatic colon cancer will ensure prompt diagnosis and care.
Metastatic Colon Cancer
The colon is an important part of the human body. This is where the waste from food and by products that pass through the body are stored and pushed out of the body. Both the rectum and the colon form the large intestine. The colon is made up of many different types of cells. When the cells begin to clump together, they form cancer. Initially, there may be no visible signs of cancer until has it began to grow or spread into nearby organs. Some symptoms of advanced or metastasized cancer include weight loss, dark or bloody stools, diarrhea, fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath. In cases where the tumor has grown, it can begin to obstruct certain areas of the bowel or intestine. This is called a bowel obstruction, and can turn into an immediate life-threatening condition if surgery is not performed right away to remove or repair the obstruction.
Location of Metastases
Whether the colon cancer was initially diagnosed with mets or has reoccurred with the cancer forming into multiple tumors, the location of the metastases is essential to survival. Areas that colon cancer most commonly can spread to include the liver, kidneys, bone, lungs, brain and lymph nodes. If the cancer is confined to just one distant location such as the lungs or liver, it is possible that it can be cured or placed into remission. When it has spread to the kidneys, bone or brain---it can be more difficult, if not impossible, to treat. Sometimes, the cancer only spreads to the lymph nodes. This means the cancer was likely caught before it entered the blood stream and affected another primary organ.
Treatment Options
Treatment options are important for someone with metastatic colon cancer. The first course of treatment is to try and see if the cancer cells can be eliminated and destroyed. This depends on how advanced and widespread the metastases is. Generally, surgery is initially done to try and safely remove the primary tumor. This may be followed by chemotherapy to destroy in cancer cells that may be left behind. In cases where the tumor cannot be removed, radiation therapy may be used to try to shrink the tumor. If the cancer has recurred with mets and can not be treated successfully, palliative care will be established to make the person comfortable and free of pain.
