Stage III & IV Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is typified by unrestrained proliferation of cells lining the colon (the longest portion of the large intestine). According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), close to 106,000 new cases of colon cancers are detected annually in the United States. Similar to any other cancer form, colon cancer is also differentiated into different stages depending upon the growth and extent of multiplication of the cancer cells.

Colon Cancer Stages

• As per the National Cancer Institute, colon cancer is divided into five stages namely Stage 0, Stage I, Stage II, Stage III, and Stage IV depending upon the progression of the malignant cells. In Stage 0 the cancer cells are located in the linings of the colon. Stage I represents the stage where the abnormal cells spread along the inner linings of the colon. In Stage II the cells migrate to the nearby tissues. While in Stage III the cancerous cells spread to the nearby lymph nodes and other close by organs. Stage IV, also called end stage, is represented by the spreading of the cells to most of the major organs such as liver and lungs.

Risk Factors

• According to the Mayo Clinic and the National Cancer Institute, certain factors such as progressing age, race of the individual, family history of colorectal cancer or polyps and certain medical conditions like diabetes, among others, can increase the risk of developing colon cancer. The Mayo Clinic states that more than 90 percent of all colon cancer cases are diagnosed in individuals who are more than 50 years old. African-Americans are at an increased risk of developing colon cancer as compared to others.

Signs and Symptoms of Stage III and Stage IV Colon Cancer

• As per National Cancer Institute, colon cancer does not show any symptoms or signs during its initial stages (Stage 0 to Stage II). However, if the cancer remains undetected in its early stages certain general signs such as irregular bowel movements, discharge of blood in the stool, diarrhea, fatigue, bloating, gas pains among others are often associated with Stage III and Stage IV of colon cancer.

Treatment Options

• The National Cancer Institute reports that surgery (resection) along with chemotherapy is a common treatment option for individuals affected with Stage III colon cancer. During the surgical procedure the affected parts of the colon are surgically removed in order to prevent their subsequent spreading to other body parts. Post-surgery doctors might hold chemotherapy sessions in which anti-cancer drugs like Pacitaxel are injected through the bloodstream in order to destroy the cancer cells and thus prevent their further multiplication.

  Surgery along with radiation therapy and chemotherapy are common treatments used to treat Stage IV colon cancer patients. During surgery, the damaged portions of the colon along with parts of the other organs affected such as lungs and liver, are removed. After surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy might be administered as palliative therapies in order to relieve one from the symptoms associated with colon cancer.

Five-Year Survival Rates

• According to the National Cancer Institute, the relative five-year survival rate for Stage III colon cancer is approximately 69 percent. The five-year survival rate drops to 11 percent in individuals suffering from Stage IV colon cancer.