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Can Colon Cancer Spread To The Brain?
Question: My brother in law went to ER 8 days ago and ended up having surgery for a blockage and they discovered a tumor in colon up near liver. Lymph nodes were involved. Three weeks prior he had a pacemaker implanted. The family has only talked with the surgeon ...the onogologist hasn't been in to see them yet so they haven't been told what stage it is. My two questions are could the cancer be going to the brain because he is starting to say really weird or could it be he hasn't had any thing by mouth yet or could it be his meds although he seemed find yesterday. Second question is what questions should we have for the oncologist is there different types of colon cancer. He doesn't have to have a colostomy. The surgeon said he will be putting in a port once the oncologist gets involved. My brother in law also takes a pill for diabetes
Brief Answer:
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending the question.
First of all I can appreciate that you are dealing with a very stressful situation and I will try to provide you with some good considerations.
At this time with lymph nodes involved we generally would regard this as at least stage III Colon cancer. it is very important that you meet with the medical oncologist to further discuss additional testing which might need to be done.
Generally the oncologist will perform some type of staging. If this is not been done a CT scan of the chest abdomen pelvis might be suggested. It is possible that cancer can spread to the brain but this would be unlikely at this time unless no one to go symptoms are present.
in most cases as long as someone is healthy the medical oncologist will consider some type of chemotherapy to increase the chances that the cancer will remain in remission and decrease the risk of recurrence of this cancer.
At this time it is important that you ask the medical oncologist what the indications for additional treatment are. Also try to see if the oncologist can give you some idea of what to expect regarding side effects from treatment. There are many different types of chemotherapy which may be considered.
Thanks again for sending your question. Please let us know if we can be of any additional assistance.
Dr Galamaga
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending the question.
First of all I can appreciate that you are dealing with a very stressful situation and I will try to provide you with some good considerations.
At this time with lymph nodes involved we generally would regard this as at least stage III Colon cancer. it is very important that you meet with the medical oncologist to further discuss additional testing which might need to be done.
Generally the oncologist will perform some type of staging. If this is not been done a CT scan of the chest abdomen pelvis might be suggested. It is possible that cancer can spread to the brain but this would be unlikely at this time unless no one to go symptoms are present.
in most cases as long as someone is healthy the medical oncologist will consider some type of chemotherapy to increase the chances that the cancer will remain in remission and decrease the risk of recurrence of this cancer.
At this time it is important that you ask the medical oncologist what the indications for additional treatment are. Also try to see if the oncologist can give you some idea of what to expect regarding side effects from treatment. There are many different types of chemotherapy which may be considered.
Thanks again for sending your question. Please let us know if we can be of any additional assistance.
Dr Galamaga
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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