Metastatic Colon Cancer

By: Mercy Maranga

Metastatic colon cancer refers to cancer that has, spread to other parts of the body and is also known as Stage IV cancer. Even if it has, spread to other organs of the body it is still regarded as colon cancer. If one had previously been diagnosed with the disease and he or she manifests signs of cancer in the lungs, the liver or in any other part of the body, there are high chances that the presence of cancer in these other organs may be as a result of metastasis from the colon.

All sites of metastasis have to be identified before one starts treatment. Treatment for metastatic colon cancer depends on the extent and the location of the tumor. There is no standard treatment for this form of colon cancer and therefore treatment is based on an individual patient.

Surgery can be used in treating this form of cancer although there are several factors that determine its use as treatment method. One factor is whether all the metastatic disease can be surgically removed and still maintain the function of the affected organ. In cases where the disease is limited to the liver and the lungs, surgery can be used as treatment.

Chemotherapy is another way of treating metastatic colon cancer. Chemotherapy is used in cases where surgery cannot be used as a treatment method. It does not cure the disease but clinical studies show that exposure to some chemotherapy drugs and chemotherapy regimens can improve the symptoms and prolong life.

Mercy Maranga Reports on Health and Fitness issues. Visit Her Site here for more information on cancer and its treatment Cancer

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