How long does it take for Stage 4 colon cancer to develop?
Colon cancer, or cancer that begins in the lower part of the digestive tract, usually forms from a collection of benign (noncancerous) cells called an adenomatous polyp. Most of these polyps will not become malignant (cancerous), but some can slowly turn into cancer over the course of about 10-15 years.
Is stage IV colon cancer curable?
This is referred to as metastatic (stage IV) colorectal cancer. Cure is not possible for most patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, although some patients who have limited involvement of distant organs (particularly restricted to the liver and/or lung) can be cured with surgery.
Can you survive Stage IV colon cancer?
Stage IV colon cancer has a relative 5-year survival rate of about 14%. This means that about 14% of people with stage IV colon cancer are likely to still be alive 5 years after they are diagnosed.
Can Stage 4 colon cancer go into remission?
A cure where the cancer is totally eradicated and will never return is rare at stage 4. However, remission, where symptoms are reduced or gone for a time, is possible.
Is there any hope for Stage 4 colon cancer?
A growing number of people with stage IV colon cancer live longer than 2 years. And for a small group of people with cancer that has only spread to your liver or lung, surgery might even cure it. Also remember that survival rates are based on studies that were done a few years ago.
What is stage IV?
Stage IV. This stage means that the cancer has spread to other organs or parts of the body. It may be also called advanced or metastatic cancer.
What is Stage 4 colon cancer and how is it treated?
It is the last stage (stage 4) of cancer when it has already spread to other parts of the body. This type of cancer mostly spreads to the liver, lungs, peritoneum, brain and distant lymph nodes. As it is the last stage of colon cancer, stage 4 is very hard to treat, with a poor outlook as well. However, some treatment options are available.
What are the stages of colorectal cancer?
For colorectal cancer, tumors are graded on a scale of 1 to 4. Cancer cells that resemble normal cells are considered low grade (Grade 1), and are projected to grow and divide slowly. Cancer cells with abnormal structure, suggest they can divide rapidly are considered as high grade (grade 4). The stages of colon and rectal cancer are: Stage 0.
What is the difference between Stage IVB and stage IVC colon cancer?
Stage IVB cancer has spread beyond the colon or rectum wall to more than one organ such as liver, lungs, and ovaries as well as to nearby and distant lymph nodes. Stage IVC cancer has spread beyond the colon or rectum wall to distant part of the abdominal lining (the visceral peritoneum) and may have spread to other distant organs and lymph nodes.
Can stage 4 colon cancer spread to lymph nodes?
Cancer has also spread into 4 or more nearby lymph nodes. However, cancer has not spread to other nearby organs. Stage IV Cancer has spread beyond the wall of the colon or rectum, into the nearby lymph nodes and into other, remote organs such as liver, lung, and peritoneum.