How long can one live after colon cancer surgery?

Written by Sun Wei
Surgical Oncology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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If colon cancer can be treated surgically, generally, the outcomes might be quite good. It often applies to cancer in relatively early stages, with potentials to survive for over three years, five years, or even longer. Of course, there are cases of colon cancer that are discovered in later stages, where complete surgical removal is not possible, and only palliative stoma surgery can be performed. In such situations, the survival time might be within three to five years, but the exact life expectancy cannot be fully determined. Each individual's condition is different, and treatment must be adapted accordingly. Typically after surgery, treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy might be used in combination to prolong survival.

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Written by Sun Wei
Surgical Oncology
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What are the symptoms of transverse colon cancer?

Transverse colon cancer is a type of colon cancer, belonging to malignant tumors of the digestive system. The main symptoms may include rectal bleeding, narrower stools, increased frequency of defecation, diarrhea, and it may also cause constipation. For instance, if the tumor in the transverse colon is large enough to block the intestinal lumen, it could lead to difficulty in defecating. Constipation or even signs of intestinal obstruction could occur. Generally, a diagnosis can be confirmed through an endoscopic biopsy. After diagnosis, transverse colon cancer can be treated surgically, primarily through curative surgery, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and other comprehensive treatments.

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Written by Sun Wei
Surgical Oncology
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Is colon cancer surgery a major surgery?

Colon cancer surgery is considered a relatively major procedure, ranking as a class three or four surgery in general surgery. Generally, it involves the resection of the entire transverse colon or tumors located in other areas such as the ascending or descending colon, accompanied by the removal of surrounding lymph nodes, followed by intestinal anastomosis and digestive tract reconstruction. Post-surgery, comprehensive anti-tumor treatment is usually required. After colon cancer surgery, the main focus is on preventing intestinal leakage, which is a serious complication. Dietary intake needs to be gradually restored after surgery. Initially, the patient may only be able to consume liquid and easily digestible foods, gradually transitioning to semi-liquid and regular diets, while also paying attention to eating smaller, more frequent meals.

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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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What are the early symptoms of colon cancer?

The early symptoms of colon cancer mainly include discomfort and pain in the lower abdomen, which does not necessarily become more pronounced after eating and generally occurs intermittently. Some patients may also experience changes in stool shape, primarily manifested as narrower stools, or an increased frequency of bowel movements per day, leading to diarrhea. Some patients in the early stages may experience worsening of pre-existing constipation, or alternating symptoms of diarrhea and constipation. Some colon cancer patients in the early stages may experience bloody stools, or the presence of mucus, pus, and blood in the stool, which are some atypical gastrointestinal symptoms of colitis. Some patients may also experience nausea.

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Oncology
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Is intermittent pain in the upper right abdomen for two months colon cancer?

Persistent dull pain in the upper right abdomen lasting two months is very likely a clinical symptom caused by colon cancer. This is often due to the lesion of colon cancer invading the intestinal mucosa, causing mucosal spasms and resulting in pain. Alternatively, the tumor may cause obstruction of the intestinal lumen, leading to intestinal obstruction, which also presents as pain clinically. This type of pain is generally characterized by persistent dull pain, especially more pronounced at night, and ordinary anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs are less effective in relieving it. The pain will only subside after the lesions of colon cancer are effectively controlled. However, for dull pain in the upper right abdomen, some benign diseases, such as certain ulcerative colitis or chronic intestinal tuberculosis, should also be considered, as they can present with similar symptoms. To definitively diagnose whether the dull pain is caused by colon cancer or a benign colon condition, it is generally necessary to complete related imaging or hematological examinations. Sometimes, histopathological examinations are necessary to differentiate the diagnosis.

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Surgical Oncology
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Can advanced colorectal cancer be cured?

Complete cure is often difficult to achieve in the middle and late stages of colorectal cancer. Of course, it is possible to control the progression of the lesion and then prolong survival. For middle and late-stage colorectal cancer, if the treatment is reasonable or effective, it is possible to survive for more than three years, five years, or even longer. Clinically, surviving more than five years without recurrence is considered a clinical cure. Of course, there is still a possibility of recurrence after five years, but the probability of recurrence will be much lower. If one can survive more than ten years, or even 20 years without recurrence, it is basically considered a cure, but regular check-ups are still necessary afterward, as it cannot be guaranteed that there will be no recurrence. For the middle and late stages of colorectal cancer, surgical treatment should be pursued whenever possible, followed by a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy after surgery.