What Is Metastatic Colon Cancer?

Metastatic colon cancer is an advanced-stage malignancy that originated in the colon and has traveled to other areas of the body. While colon cancer can spread anywhere in the body, it most often affects the liver or lungs.

What are the symptoms of metastatic colon cancer?

Although early stages of colon cancer may not result in any noticeable symptoms, advanced stages may produce changes in bowel movements as well as generalized fatigue and unexpected weight loss. Metastatic colon cancer may also produce other symptoms depending on where in the body it has spread. For example, colon cancer that has spread to the liver may cause nausea, fatigue, abdominal bloating, jaundice or swelling in the extremities, while colon cancer that has spread to the lungs may cause difficulty breathing, a chronic cough, chest pain or shortness of breath.

It is important to note that other, more common conditions can produce similar symptoms. Therefore, a diagnosis from a physician is required to confirm or rule out a metastatic colon cancer diagnosis.

What treatment options are available for metastatic colon cancer?

If you’ve been diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer, you may have a number of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Your specific treatment plan will depend on many individual factors, including the size of your tumor, where the cancer has spread, your general health and any previous treatments you have received. At Moffitt Cancer Center, we take a collaborative approach to treating cancer. Our multispecialty team meets in regular tumor board sessions to ensure our patients’ treatment plans provide them with the best chance of a positive outcome and improved quality of life.

To learn more about receiving treatment for metastatic colon cancer at Moffitt, call 1-888-663-3488 or fill out a new patient registration form online. No referral is necessary to request an appointment.