Information on the Diagnosis of Stage III Colon Cancer

More than 100,000 people in the United States were diagnosed with colon cancer in 2008, according to statistics provided by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Colon cancer is described as being in stage III when the cancer has spread beyond the colon to the lymph nodes, but not to other organs in the body. When you are diagnosed with stage III colon cancer, you will likely want information on treatment, symptoms and prognosis.

Symptoms

• Stage III colon cancer may not show many symptoms, according to the NCI. If symptoms are apparent, they may include frequent diarrhea or constipation, blood in the stool or persistent bloating.

Detection

• Colon cancer, including stage III, may be initially detected via a colonoscopy, which most doctors recommend for anyone over the age of 50, according to the NCI.

Treatment

• For stage III colon cancer, surgery may be an option and will likely involve removal of a large portion of the colon. The NIH recommends that all stage III patients receive chemotherapy after surgery for at least six months.

Treatment Side Effects

• If surgery is used for stage III colon cancer, the surgeon may have to perform a colostomy, according to the NCI. In addition, chemotherapy or radiation may cause nausea, vomiting, hair loss or diarrhea.

Prognosis

• According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for colon cancer ranges from 83 percent for stage IIIA to 44 percent for stage IIIC.