thomasdevos
10-05-2009, 12:05 AM
Colon Cancer and Survival Prognosis
In a previous article, we discussed the different stages of colon cancer. But what about the hope of survival?
The prognosis for survival depends on what stage of colon cancer is in. A better understanding of the main staging categories will be useful here. Basically, 1indicates stage that the cancer has penetrated the outermost layer of the intestinal wall (mucosa). Survival rates are more than 90% over 5 years at this point. Stage 2 means the cancer has penetrated into the muscular layer of the intestinal wall. The rate fell slightly by 75-80% over 5 years.
The third stage is when the cancer spreads to lymph nodes. The prognosis of 5 years here, is 44-55%.
Stage 4 colon cancer (metastatic), clearly the worst prognosis. However, not all cancers of stage IV are the same. For example, reports that patients with 3 or less NCI hepatic (liver) metastases have a survival rate at five years 20 to 30%.
If you are found to have colon cancer, there are some tests and procedures that will be used to determine the stage of cancer.These include chest x-rays to see if the cancer has spread to the lungs; CAT scans to determine the degree of metastasis, particularly in regard to the liver, and the pathology report that will be used to determine the depth of penetration in the intestine was and if there is involvement of lymph nodes. There are also many treatment options available. Length of survival depends on when colon cancer is detected and what stage it is in. Once this was determined, with your family and your doctor can develop a specific plan for you so that you may have the most chance of survival.
Reference Site:
colon cancer treatment (http://colon-cancer-treatment-cure.com)
www.nlm.nih.gov (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000262.htm)
en.wikipedia.org (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colorectal_cancer)
www.cancer.gov (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/colon-and-rectal)
medicinenet.com (http://www.medicinenet.com/colon_cancer/article.htm)
In a previous article, we discussed the different stages of colon cancer. But what about the hope of survival?
The prognosis for survival depends on what stage of colon cancer is in. A better understanding of the main staging categories will be useful here. Basically, 1indicates stage that the cancer has penetrated the outermost layer of the intestinal wall (mucosa). Survival rates are more than 90% over 5 years at this point. Stage 2 means the cancer has penetrated into the muscular layer of the intestinal wall. The rate fell slightly by 75-80% over 5 years.
The third stage is when the cancer spreads to lymph nodes. The prognosis of 5 years here, is 44-55%.
Stage 4 colon cancer (metastatic), clearly the worst prognosis. However, not all cancers of stage IV are the same. For example, reports that patients with 3 or less NCI hepatic (liver) metastases have a survival rate at five years 20 to 30%.
If you are found to have colon cancer, there are some tests and procedures that will be used to determine the stage of cancer.These include chest x-rays to see if the cancer has spread to the lungs; CAT scans to determine the degree of metastasis, particularly in regard to the liver, and the pathology report that will be used to determine the depth of penetration in the intestine was and if there is involvement of lymph nodes. There are also many treatment options available. Length of survival depends on when colon cancer is detected and what stage it is in. Once this was determined, with your family and your doctor can develop a specific plan for you so that you may have the most chance of survival.
Reference Site:
colon cancer treatment (http://colon-cancer-treatment-cure.com)
www.nlm.nih.gov (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000262.htm)
en.wikipedia.org (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colorectal_cancer)
www.cancer.gov (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/colon-and-rectal)
medicinenet.com (http://www.medicinenet.com/colon_cancer/article.htm)