Are you worried or worried about colon cancer? Your doctor may have referred you for a few tests. It's normal to feel overwhelmed when you hear about the stages of this cancer, especially Stage IV. But don't worry. This doesn't mean it can't be treated. It just means your doctor will be able to help you choose the best treatment for you. Let's talk about this simply and clearly.
Simply put, Stage IV means that the cancer that started in your colon has now spread beyond that point, to other parts of your body. For example, cancer cells may have spread to your liver, lungs, or other organs. Knowing exactly where the cancer has spread can help your doctors decide what treatment is most effective for you.
What are the common symptoms of colon cancer?
Often, bowel cancer does not show any symptoms in its early stages. That's why it's important to have routine screening tests. But if symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Blood in the stool: This blood is usually dark red or black in color.
- Alternating constipation and diarrhea: These can also be caused by other minor medical conditions. But if this condition persists, be sure to see a doctor.
- Stool that is thin and pencil-like: This means that something is blocking your colon. It could be a tumor or something else.
- Extreme fatigue and weakness: If you feel more tired than usual, it could be due to iron deficiency due to bleeding from the cancer.
- Stomach pain or fullness: When a tumor blocks the intestines, it can be difficult to completely pass stool. This can cause a feeling of fullness in the stomach.
- Unexplained weight loss: If you suddenly lose 4-5 kilos or more without changing your diet or exercise routine, it could be a sign of cancer, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms.
- Nausea and vomiting: This condition can occur if a tumor causes an obstruction in the intestine.
The most important thing is, don't be afraid that you have cancer just because you have these symptoms. But don't ignore them either. It's best to see a doctor as soon as possible and get checked out.
How do symptoms vary depending on where the cancer has spread?
When colon cancer spreads to other parts of the body, additional symptoms may occur depending on the organ involved. Most often, this cancer spreads to the liver, lungs, and the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Sometimes, it can also spread to the bones.
| Affected Organ | Possible Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Liver Cancer can spread through a blood vessel from the intestine to the liver. | There may be no symptoms at first. Later, symptoms may include loss of appetite, feeling full even after eating a small amount, fatigue, fever, itching, stomach pain, swelling of the legs, weight loss, and yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice). |
| Lungs Cancer cells can travel to the lungs through the bloodstream. | Breathing difficulties may occur. Symptoms include persistent cough, chest pain, bloody phlegm, shortness of breath, and weight loss. |
| Peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity) Cells that break off from the main tumor can spread to this membrane inside the stomach. | Symptoms may include stomach pain, loss of appetite, and weight loss or gain (due to water retention). |
| Bones When cancer spreads to the bones, they become weak. | Bone pain, easy bone fractures, back or neck pain. Increased calcium levels in the blood can cause constipation, nausea, and loss of appetite. Numbness or weakness in the legs or arms may also occur. |
How is this cancer diagnosed? (Diagnosis)
Your doctor will first ask you some general questions about your health and then order one or more of these tests.
Main tests
- Colonoscopy: This is done in a hospital or clinic. A small camera on a thin, flexible tube is used to examine the inside of your entire colon and rectum. The day before the test, you will need to drink a special liquid to cleanse your colon. You will be given a sedative before the test so you will not feel any discomfort. The test can be completed in about 30 minutes.
- Biopsy: During a colonoscopy, the doctor takes a small piece of tissue from a suspicious area and sends it for testing. This is examined under a microscope to see if there are any cancer cells. Sometimes, if the cancer is suspected to have spread to other areas, such as the liver or lungs, a CT scan or ultrasound scan may be used to take a tissue sample by inserting a needle through the skin.
Tests to see if the cancer has spread
- Chest X-ray: This helps to see if the cancer has spread to the lungs.
- CT Scan (CT - Computed Tomography): This can produce very clear three-dimensional images of the inside of the body. It can help determine if the cancer has spread to the liver, lungs, or other organs.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This uses magnets and radio waves to create clear images of the organs inside the body. This is very important for checking for the spread of cancer in the abdomen and pelvic area.
- Ultrasound: This uses sound waves to create images of organs. This can help see if cancer has spread to the liver or pelvic area.
How is the stage of cancer determined?
A pathologist will examine the tissue sample from your biopsy under a microscope and prepare a report. The report will include the following:
- Cell type: What the cancer cells look like.
- Appearance of the cells (Grade): How different the cancer cells are from normal cells and how quickly they divide.
- Cancer spread: Whether the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues, lymph nodes, or other organs.
It may take a day or two for the biopsy report to arrive. Your doctor will use this report and all of the other scan reports to determine the stage of the cancer.
Never be afraid to ask your doctor anything you don't understand about your treatment or future situation. It is your right to know everything clearly.
Your doctor will determine the most suitable treatment for you based on the stage of your cancer, test results, and your overall health.
Take-Home Message
- Stage IV colon cancer doesn't mean it's all over. It just means your doctors are guided to choose the most advanced treatments for you.
- The symptoms mentioned in the article can also be caused by other reasons. Therefore, do not panic unnecessarily, and if the symptoms persist, be sure to see a doctor for a checkup.
- Even if there are no symptoms, it is very important to undergo screening tests for colon cancer at the appropriate time, according to age.
- Talk openly with your doctor about your condition and treatment. Don't be afraid to ask any questions you have.
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