Symptoms and treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer

Metastatic colorectal cancer

Like any other cancer, metastatic colorectal cancer occurs when there is an accumulation of cells in an organ, and they develop cancerous properties over time.

Metastatic colorectal cancer can be treated to a certain stage, depending upon the extent to which the cancerous cells have spread. In case they are found in lymph nodes; there is a possibility that they can be removed entirely from the body with the combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Sometimes, the lungs, liver and other organs are affected, but because of technological advancements, chemotherapeutic resolves are generally considered instead of surgeries. Research is constantly made to learn more and give hope to people, regardless of the level in which they are located. Metastatic colorectal cancer is seen in men and women of all ages, and there is no specific area or country where it is contained. However, the incidence in those less than 50 years is increasing. This disease takes the lives of over 50,000 people each year; we are here to fight these statistics and educate people on how to prevent this disease. It is the second highest cancer to claim deaths in our country.

Causes

The scientists involved in the research of metastatic colorectal cancer are yet to find out the exact reason why a person might have metastatic colorectal cancer. Normally, our somatic cells are known to have the property of touch inhibition which means that when one cell comes in contact with the other, it stops growing. When this property is lost, cells start growing abnormally, and this gives rise to cancerous cells in the body.

The cancerous cells start becoming the part of tissue and the organ, and they keep destroying the cells which come in their way. The cancerous cells are characterized as benign and malignant. Out of the two, benign cells are more dangerous as they have the property of traveling from one organ to another which can be fatal.

Hereditary inherited mutations that increase the risk of colon cancer

Genes play an important role in this as the people who have a family history of cancer are more likely to be affected by it. Although not specifically metastatic colorectal cancer, in case there is any genetic mutation the person, which causes the properties of the cells to change, it will also lead to the production of cancerous cells.

Symptoms of metastatic colorectal cancer

The symptoms of metastatic colorectal cancer are many. They include fatigue, shortness of breath, tight stools, weakness, diarrhea, swelling, and cramping.

Metastatic colorectal cancer can be present for many years before the actual symptoms appear. Symptoms vary depending on the place of the large intestine of a tumor. Here are some of the symptoms associated with metastatic colorectal cancer:

• Changes in bowel movements
  Issues such as diarrhea, constipation, etc. are some of the prominent signs of colon cancer.
• Change in stool color
  Dark colored stool or blood in the stool should not be ignored.
• Weakness and fatigue
  Another prominent sign of any kind of cancer is the feeling of tiredness, no matter how much you rest.
• Weight loss
  Patients with cancer tend to lose weight rapidly.

If any of the above symptoms show, make sure to book an appointment with a cancer specialist.

Association between diet and increased risk of metastatic colorectal cancer

It is obvious that having chemically treated food can cause changes in the cell composition of the body and might cause cancer. The scientists are actively searching for the possible causes of cancers and if at all our food habits can cause some changes in the microbiota of our gut which might have caused the colon to produce cancerous cells.

Treatment

Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells to other organs. It is common in patients with advanced colon carcinoma. Metastatic colorectal cancer usually spreads to the liver, but can also spread to the lungs and lead to organ failure. Approximately 60-70% of people whose disease returns after the cancer surgery develops liver cancer.

To treat metastatic colorectal cancer experts at Memorial Sloan Kettering use a variety of therapeutic approaches, including:

• Surgery
  Image-guided therapies, such as magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and computerized tomography (CT) Scan.
• Chemotherapy
  Biological therapies, such as immunotherapy and targeted therapies
• Radiotherapy
  When possible, our surgeons remove primary colon tumors and liver metastases during the same operation. This can significantly reduce recovery time and the risk of complications.

Metastatic colorectal cancer, much like other types of cancer may or may not be cured depending on the degree of cancer. Through various medicines and therapies, cancer may be cured. Precautions, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise should be practiced to avoid cancer. Furthermore, the patients are advised to make an appointment with a doctor when the symptoms begin to show up.