What is stage 4 colorectal cancer?
Concept of colorectal cancer
The colon is a part of the large intestine located at the last part of the digestive tract. In adults, the large intestine is about 1 4-1 8m compared to the small intestine, the length of the large intestine is shorter but the diameter is many times larger than the small intestine.
The large intestine forms an inverted u-shaped frame with 4 parts: cecum and colon. rectum and anal canal.
Healthy cells grow and divide in an orderly way to keep your body functioning Normal. But when a cell’s DNA is damaged and becomes cancerous, the cells continue to divide – even when new cells are not needed. When cells accumulate they form a tumor.
Stage colorectal cancer 4
Cancer is often divided into 4 stages, of which stage 4 is the last and late stage. At that time, cancer cells have metastasized to other locations in the body.
Currently the most common way to classify cancer stages is the TNM system. Where T is the tumor based on the size of the tumor and its location. T ratings go from T0 to T4. N is for lymph node. When cancer cells reach the lymph node, they will spread more easily. M means the cancer has spread to other organs and lymph nodes.
– Stage 4A: Cancer may or may not have grown through the wall of the colon or rectum (any T). It may or may not have spread to nearby lymph nodes (any N). It has spread to a distant organ (such as the liver or lung) or distant lymph nodes but not to the distant part of the peritoneum (M1a).
– Stage 4B: Cancer may have spread growing through the wall of the colon or rectum (any T). It may or may not have spread to nearby lymph nodes (any N). It has spread to more than 1 distant organ (such as the liver or lung) or to a set of distant lymph nodes but not to the distal part of the peritoneum (M1b).
– Stage 4C: Cancer The cancer may or may not have grown through the wall of the colon or rectum (any T). It may or may not have spread to nearby lymph nodes (any N). It has spread to the distant part of the peritoneum and may or may not have spread to distant organs or lymph nodes (M1c).
Symptoms of stage 4 colorectal cancer
Symptoms of stage 4 colorectal cancer
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According to Webmd many people with colorectal cancer have no symptoms. That’s why regular screening is so important.
When the disease – at any stage – causes symptoms they can include:
– Blood (usually dark red or black) in the stool.
– Constipation and diarrhea: These can also be symptoms of other, less serious conditions than. But if they continue, see a doctor.
– Long, pencil-thin stools: This is a sign that something is blocking your intestines. The blockage could be a tumor or something else.
– Fatigue and weakness: Feeling tired or much weaker than usual can be a sign of a blockage The tumor is bleeding and you have lost iron.
– Abdominal pain or bloating.
– Unexplained weight loss: If you do not change your diet and Weight-loss exercise habits can be a sign, especially if you also have other colorectal cancer symptoms.
– Nausea and vomiting may occur if the tumor is causing the blockage.
Other symptoms you have depend on where the cancer has spread.
Treatment for stage colorectal cancer < /strong>4
Stage 4 colorectal cancer has spread from the colon to distant organs and tissues. Colorectal cancer often metastasizes to the liver, but it can also metastasize to other places such as the lungs, brain, peritoneum or to distant lymph nodes.
In general, surgery is unlikely to cure. from cancer at this stage. But if there are only a few areas where the cancer has spread (metastasized) in the liver or lungs and they can be removed along with the colorectal cancer, surgery may help you live longer according to theAmerican Cancer Society. UScancer.
This means surgery to remove the part of the bowel containing the cancer along with nearby lymph nodes plus surgery to remove the cancerous area spread. Chemotherapy is also often used after surgery.
If metastatic tumors cannot be removed because they are too large or too numerous, doctors may inject chemotherapy before surgery. Then, if the tumor shrinks, surgery can be performed. Chemotherapy may be used after surgery. For tumors in the liver, another option may be to destroy them by resection or embolization.
If the cancer has metastasized too much to be operated on, chemotherapy is the treatment. main treatment. Patients may still need surgery if the cancer causes a blockage in the intestines, such as placing a stent to clear the intestines or surgery to remove part or all of the colorectum…
Most people with cancer Stage 4 cancer will be prescribed chemotherapy, possibly adding targeted immunotherapy to control the disease.
For late-stage cancer, radiation therapy can also be used to help Prevent or reduce symptoms of cancer such as colorectal pain. It can also be used to treat widespread areas such as the lungs or bones. It can shrink the tumor for a while but is not capable of curing cancer.
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