The most common site for colon cancer to spread (metastasize) is the liver, due to the direct blood supply from the colon via the portal vein, followed by the lungs, peritoneum, and distant lymph nodes. Cancer cells travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, forming secondary tumors in these areas, making the liver a frequent location for advanced disease.
Up to half of the people diagnosed with colon cancer eventually develop cancer in other parts of the body. These are known as metastases. The liver, lungs, abdominal cavity or distant lymph nodes are the most common locations for colon cancer to metastasize.
Absolutely. There are a few ways that cancer and cancer treatment can cause edema. If a tumor is large enough, for instance, it can sometimes press on blood vessels or lymphatic vessels and cause swelling. Chemotherapy is often accompanied by steroids, which are known for causing water retention.
The side on which cancer develops helps determine your treatment. Overall, left-side tumors have a better prognosis than right-side tumors. This is because colon cancer on the left side responds better to chemotherapy and targeted therapies, like anti-EGFR and HER2 drugs.
And, depending on where a tumor is located, it can also cause an obstruction, or a blockage in the colon, which can cause severe pain. Those typically occur on the lower left side of the abdomen.
Symptoms
Colon cancer life expectancy, measured by 5-year survival rates, varies greatly by stage, with localized (Stage 1) having >90% survival, regional (Stage 2/3) around 65-85%, and distant (Stage 4) around 10-15%, but improving treatments mean these rates are consistently getting better, and early detection significantly boosts survival.
Signs of colorectal cancer that has spread
Some people may have signs that the cancer has spread to the liver with a large liver felt on exam, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes), or trouble breathing from cancer spread to the lungs.
The "3-2-1 Rule" for colon cancer risk refers to the Amsterdam Criteria, a guideline to identify families potentially affected by Lynch Syndrome, a hereditary cancer predisposition, requiring: 3 or more relatives with Lynch-associated cancers, affecting 2 consecutive generations, with at least 1 relative diagnosed under age 50, and often with FAP excluded. It highlights family history red flags like multiple affected members, young diagnoses, and generational spread to prompt genetic counseling.
The National Cancer Institute (U.S.) tracks colorectal cancer survival rates based on the cancer location at diagnosis: Localized cancer: 91%. Localized cancer only affects your colon. Regional cancer: 73%.
One of the first red flags of metastasized breast cancer is persistent pain or discomfort. This pain can manifest in various parts of the body, including the bones, back, or chest. It's essential to differentiate between normal aches and pains and those that are persistent and unexplained.
Colorectal cancer commonly metastasises to the lungs, liver and peritoneum with bony metastases being relatively uncommon, occurring in 6% of all metastatic colorectal cancers [3]. Metastases to the hands or feet, from any malignancy, are rare and affect as few as 0.3% of all cancer patients [4].
This research also indicates that once the cancer develops, there is a two-year window for it to metastasize. This process of cancer cells spreading to other parts of the body happens at a snail's pace — roughly ten years between the cancer cells starting to grow and the onset of symptoms.
A CT scan uses x-rays to make detailed cross-sectional images of your body. This test can help tell if colorectal cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or to your liver, lungs, or other organs.
Some of the most common sites of metastases are the:
There's no upper age limit for colon cancer screening. But most medical organizations in the United States agree that the benefits of screening decline after age 75 for most people and there's little evidence to support continuing screening after age 85.
An urgent referral can be worrying. But remember that more than 9 in every 10 people (more than 90%) referred this way will not have a diagnosis of cancer. In England, an urgent referral used to mean that you should see a specialist within 2 weeks.
Stage 0 reflects the presence of abnormal cells that have not spread to tissue that is immediately nearby. Stage 0 is considered precancerous, though it could become cancer in the future. This stage is also called “in-situ,” which means “in its original place.” Not all cancers have a stage 0.
What is the most aggressive type of colon cancer? According to a 2021 review, adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) is a rare but particularly aggressive form of colorectal cancer and typically presents at the most advanced stage of the disease.
Imaging tests can look for areas of cancer inside the body. CT and MRI scanning are the main imaging tests used to detect colon cancer and assess how far the cancer has spread when you've already been diagnosed with colon cancer.
Early stages may not cause any discomfort. As the tumor grows or spreads, pain can develop in several regions: Lower abdomen: Tumors in the colon often cause cramping or aching here. Back and flanks: If cancer presses on nerves or organs, pain may develop in the back or sides.
The most common site of metastases for colorectal cancer, which includes colon cancer or rectal cancer is the liver.
Top foods for colon cancer survivors
Stage 4 cancer is challenging to treat, but treatment options may help control the cancer and improve pain, other symptoms and quality of life. Systemic drug treatments, such as targeted therapy or chemotherapy, are common for stage 4 cancers.