What Complications Would Occur If Surgery Is Not Done For Malignancy?

Posted on Sun, 15 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 15 Jun 2014 Answered on

Mon, 7 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello,

In your statement:

Space occupying lesion in a 80 year old lady is most often due to malignancy only.

- If she is physically fit for surgery, what would be the risk if surgery is not done according to your opinion, and how urgently would the surgery need to be performed?

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (32 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Malignancy may spread to other parts like liver

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for getting back to me with more questions.
I am sorry for the delay in responding to your question.

Her colonoscopy report says she has an ulcerated lesion and HPE says it is only dysplasia and not malignancy.

If it is malignancy, the following complications would occur if not treated -
1. Blood loss in stool leading to anemia
2. Malignant cells would spread to other parts of the body especially the liver

Surgery is done only if the maligancy is limited to colon. If it has spread to other parts surgery is usually not done and chemotherapy is given.

There is no specific time frame when it would spread to other parts. So it is prudent to operate at the earliest if it is malignant and has not spread to other parts of the body.

Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar