Is colon cancer with metastases still curable? | Is colon cancer curable?

Is colon cancer with metastases still curable?

Unfortunately, metastases in colorectal cancer have a very poor prognosis. As long as only one organ is affected by metastases, there is still a chance of cure. However, these are relatively low at 10%.

Whether a metastasis can be removed surgically depends on its location. A common organ affected by metastases is the liver. The metastases in the liver can be removed surgically as long as sufficient intact liver tissue remains.

However, the survival rate here is only 5-10%. Whether the metastases can be removed also depends on whether they can be reached surgically without damaging vital structures. It is not uncommon for micrometastases to have formed when metastases already exist.

These are easily overlooked due to their very small size. It is therefore possible that after successful removal of the cancer and the metastases, metastases may reappear after some time in a control examination. In order to have the highest chances of recovery, a very intensive and strenuous therapy is carried out. In addition to the operation, radiation and chemotherapy are carried out to kill any possible metastases.

At what stage is intestinal cancer no longer curable?

The first decisive point, whether colorectal cancer is curable, depends on the operability of the cancer. If a colorectal cancer is not operable, the chances of cure are marginal. The operability depends on various factors – on the one hand on the anatomical conditions, such as the localisation and infiltration of other structures.

In this respect, colorectal cancer is often detected in time so that it can be reached surgically. On the other hand, operability depends on the patient’s health condition. In very old and/or seriously ill patients, in some cases surgery cannot be performed.

Another important factor is the presence of metastases. If more than one organ is affected by metastases, palliative therapy is initiated. This means that there is no therapy to cure the cancer, but only a therapy to improve the quality of life and prolong the remaining life span.

Is colon cancer curable without therapy?

Although there are repeated reports of people suffering from cancer being cured without therapy, it is not realistic to expect a cure without therapy. Once the cancer has been detected, treatment should be given as soon as possible. Without therapy the tumour continues to grow and there is a risk of metastases forming.

Due to the undisturbed growth of the tumour, symptoms such as digestive problems, fatigue and weight loss increase and the quality of life decreases. However, tumour growth and the severity of the symptoms vary greatly from one individual to another.