What to do about liver metastasis from transverse colon cancer?

Written by Sun Wei
Surgical Oncology
Updated on September 16, 2024
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Liver metastasis in transverse colon cancer is relatively common, especially in cases where the disease has progressed. Because the transverse colon is located close to the liver region, tumors in this area can potentially metastasize to the liver via the lymphatic or blood circulation, or through local infiltration. In cases where the liver metastasis is localized, there is still an opportunity for surgical treatment involving a radical resection of the transverse colon cancer combined with partial hepatectomy. If there are multiple metastases in the liver, radical surgery may not be feasible. Initially, preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy or targeted therapy is performed. If the liver metastatic lesions can be reduced or disappear, there may still be a chance for surgical treatment afterwards.

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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 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 Yan Chun
Oncology
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Is colon cancer invading the submucosa early stage?

The lesion of colon cancer has invaded the submucosa, which could be either early stage or advanced stage, as the staging of colon cancer is determined by three factors. First is the primary lesion of the colon cancer itself, second is the regional lymph node metastasis, and third is distant metastasis. The invasion of the submucosa in colon cancer is just indicative of the status of the primary lesion; we also need to consider the regional lymph nodes and distant metastasis to determine the stage. If the lesion has invaded the submucosa without regional lymph node metastasis and no distant metastasis, then its clinical stage is early. If the lesion of colon cancer has not only invaded the submucosa but also has regional lymph node metastasis or has metastasized to distant organs, then the condition would be considered as advanced stage.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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Colon cancer surgical methods

The surgical approach for colon cancer should be tailored based on the specific circumstances of the patient, involving a rational, comprehensive treatment strategy. The surgical principle is that early-stage cancers should undergo curative resection, while more advanced cancers should be treated with radical surgery or extended radical surgery. Once the treatment plan is determined, the choice of surgical methods should be made comprehensively based on the patient's specific conditions. For example, in the surgery of rectal cancer in the middle and lower segments, it should be considered whether to preserve the anus or perform abdominoperineal resection based on the tumor's biological characteristics, patient's age, overall health, and any concurrent diseases. It is not that there is one fixed type of surgery; the approach should be specifically tailored based on the detailed analysis of the issues at hand.

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Written by Sun Wei
Surgical Oncology
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What to do about liver metastasis from transverse colon cancer?

Liver metastasis in transverse colon cancer is relatively common, especially in cases where the disease has progressed. Because the transverse colon is located close to the liver region, tumors in this area can potentially metastasize to the liver via the lymphatic or blood circulation, or through local infiltration. In cases where the liver metastasis is localized, there is still an opportunity for surgical treatment involving a radical resection of the transverse colon cancer combined with partial hepatectomy. If there are multiple metastases in the liver, radical surgery may not be feasible. Initially, preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy or targeted therapy is performed. If the liver metastatic lesions can be reduced or disappear, there may still be a chance for surgical treatment afterwards.