Metastatic colorectal cancer is the cancer of the colon or the rectum, which has spread to other organs in the body. Fewer than 20 percent of patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer survive more than five years following the diagnosis of the disease, according to the book "Clinical Oncology." The end stage of this cancer involves specific signs and symptoms.
Pain
According to the book "Clinical Oncology," patients with metastatic colorectal cancer will experience pain in the organ(s) that the cancer has spread to. For instance, patients may experience severe, continuous and localized pain in the rib or the back due to the presence of metastatic colorectal cancer in the bone.
Patients also experience headache, dizziness, seizure and unsteadiness if the cancer has spread to the brain. If the lungs are involved, patients may experience shortness of breath.
Jaundice or abdominal pain might indicate the involvement of the liver, according to Cancer.gov.
Weight loss
According to a 2004 review published in the journal "Family Practice," patients with metastatic colorectal cancer tend to experience unexplained weight loss. Patients also likely to experience lack of energy and constant fatigue.
Other Symptoms
Other common symptoms of colorectal cancer include rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, nausea, anemia, anorexia, rectal pain and mucus in stools, according to a 2004 study published in the "American Journal of Gastroenterology."
References
- "Family Practice"; Diagnosis of colorectal cancer in primary care: the evidence base for guidelines; Hamilton, Sharp; February 2004
- "Clinical Oncology"; Abeloff, et al.; 2007
- "American Journal of Gastroenterology"; How does colorectal cancer present? symptoms, duration, and clues to location; Majumdar, et al.; October 2004
