Forecast
In general, the prognosis of metastatic colorectal cancer (stage IV colon cancer) is rather poor. A complete cure is rather the exception. However, in recent years therapy has developed further and there has been progress in the quality of life of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
It is important that colorectal cancer is detected and treated early, preferably before metastases develop. Like colorectal cancer per se, metastases can also be better treated and cured in early stages, i.e. when they are even smaller and less common. Although metastases in bowel cancer indicate an advanced stage, experienced doctors can also cure bowel cancer that has metastasized.
The chances of recovery depend greatly on the organ in which the metastases are located and how badly it is affected. If the primary tumour and all metastases can be removed, the patient is considered cured. However, intensive follow-up care is necessary to ensure that no newly formed metastases are overlooked.
In some cases, a complete cure is not possible. This is the case if the metastases cannot be completely removed by the available methods. In case of inoperable metastases, chemotherapy is used to improve the quality of life. Chemotherapy can also help to control the cancer well and in some cases metastases can be reduced in size to allow surgery.
What does the final stage look like?
It is difficult to determine what the final stage of metastatic colorectal cancer looks like, as the symptoms always depend on the organs affected. Cancer generally leads to a weakening of the organism, as the metabolism of the cancer cells consumes energy unchecked. This weakening also makes the body more susceptible to infections that make the physical condition even worse.