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Can A Colon Cancer Be Treated With Medicines?
My mom was diagnosed 2 years ago with colon cancer. she had radiation and chemo and surgery and was told there would be no more cancer after all that. she then found out last march that it has spread to her liver and lungs....they suspect it spread before she even knew she had the cancer in her colon. she did not want any more chemo....she is 80 years old, has a very very small appetite now, pain and is sleepy allot....how long can this go on?
Wed, 6 May 2015
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.
Unfortunately multiple liver lesions cannot be treated completely. Colon cancer causes liver metastasis in half of the patients even after surgery. CEA test is to be done regularly to know the progressive increase and possibility of a recurrence of the tumor and spread to liver. Colon cancer might cause liver spread and this also has to be looked for by doing an ultrasound scan and CT scan if required.
Since you know that the condition has become palliative, there is a possibility to extend his survival by giving chemotherapy which will reduce new blood vessel formation and also inhibit growth. With best treatment and supportive care she might survive for about one to two years.
It is important to discuss with your doctor if she can take chemotherapy. Radiofrequency ablation is another procedure for colon cancer patients with liver metastasis but it is not for all patients and requires certain criteria to be adhered to for response to treatment. Please do not worry.
Thanks for writing in.
Unfortunately multiple liver lesions cannot be treated completely. Colon cancer causes liver metastasis in half of the patients even after surgery. CEA test is to be done regularly to know the progressive increase and possibility of a recurrence of the tumor and spread to liver. Colon cancer might cause liver spread and this also has to be looked for by doing an ultrasound scan and CT scan if required.
Since you know that the condition has become palliative, there is a possibility to extend his survival by giving chemotherapy which will reduce new blood vessel formation and also inhibit growth. With best treatment and supportive care she might survive for about one to two years.
It is important to discuss with your doctor if she can take chemotherapy. Radiofrequency ablation is another procedure for colon cancer patients with liver metastasis but it is not for all patients and requires certain criteria to be adhered to for response to treatment. Please do not worry.
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