Colon Cancer Stage 4

Colon Cancer Stage 4: a dreadful disease

Colon cancer stage 4 is a dreadful condition. Imagine your colon as a prison and think of the tumor as one of the inmates. The colon or the prison is protected by five different layers which do their best to prevent the tumor (prisoners) from getting out. But throughout the prison, there are so many areas which are vulnerable to getting through like the blood vessels and the lymph nodes which is like having an access to freedom. In cases of colon cancer stage 4, the prisoner has already made its way through the barriers of the prison, discovered a safe route and traveled to a new place which is commonly the lungs or the liver.

Colon Cancer Stage 4 Survival Rate

It is undeniable that colon cancer stage 4 is classified as one of the most dreadful disease that a person can experience. Colon cancer survival rate can be influenced by a lot of things. These factors include the location of the cancer and most significantly, the developmental stage of the cancer. Generally speaking, 8-15% of colon cancer cases which is in the fourth stage are still alive 5 years after they are diagnosed with such type of cancer. Though these statistics seem unfavorable, patients shouldn’t lose hope.

The Symptoms

The symptoms of colon cancer oftentimes come out when the disease has already stayed for some time. Even though if you don’t experience some symptoms yet, you should still consider going through regular screenings because early detection increases the possibilities of survival. If ever you experience any signs of colon cancer, consult a doctor. Some of the signs to watch out for include bleeding coming from the rectum or presence of blood in the stool; a feeling that you still need to defecate even though you just defecated; if you usually experience abdominal pain and cramping; and a change in bowel patterns such as frequent diarrhea and constipation.

Treatment Options for Colon Cancer Stage 4:

• Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy

For the people who are diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and wherein surgery is not a choice, undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy can be recommended as a soothing therapy. Palliative therapy is applied to relieve symptoms and enhance the quality of life. These therapies is not believed to fully treat the cancer.

• Surgery

Surgery may be an option for some people diagnosed with the stage 4 colon cancer. This procedure is often recommended for patients whose cancer has spread to other areas of the body especially to the lungs or liver. The procedure may include a surgical removal of other affected organs such as portions of the ovaries, lungs, and liver where the cancer possibly has spread. With regards to the affected colon, most commonly, the doctor will cut the colon that contains the cancer cells and will reconnect both ends of the remaining colon to make a functional colon.

Prevention

To be certain, you should undergo a polyp and colon cancer screening to prevent cancer stages like colon cancer stage 4. For people who are 50 years and above, it is advisable that they should follow the following guidelines:

• Each year, you should undergo a fecal occult blood test. A stool sample is taken and studied for blood. If the exam is positive, the doctor will advise you to undergo colonoscopy to confirm the diagnosis.

• Take a test known as the flexible sigmoidoscopy wherein a lighted tube is put inside the rectum which allows the doctor to view what’s inside the colon. You should repeat this procedure every 5 years. Tests with positive results should be followed as well with a colonoscopy. • Every 10 years, you should undergo colonoscopy. It is a procedure wherein a flexible and longer tube is put in the rectum and into the colon. This is more effective than sigmoidoscopy.

If your doctor thinks that you are at risk for the disease because you are showing the signs of colon cancer but the tests show negative results, he or she may recommend other laboratory tests to confirm if he will really rule out or rule in the diagnosis.

Today, when colon cancer stage 4 is detected, several medical treatments and methods are used to minimize the symptoms. In the areas where tumors are possibly removable, operations can be applied to successfully remove them. Though there is not yet a definite cure for the disease, doctors and everybody else strive to help diagnosed people live and make their lives a little more meaningful. Even though completely lengthening the life needs a lot of work, at least everyone is making their lives worthwhile.

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