Dr. Jacob DowdenQ: My uncle was recently diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. What does this mean?
A: In general, stage IV cancer of any type means that it has spread to other organs, a situation known as metastasis. Stage IV colon cancer most often spreads to the liver. About one in four patients will already be in stage IV when their colon cancer is diagnosed, and about 50 percent who have their colon cancer removed will still develop cancer in the liver. The extent of liver spread is the main factor determining patient survival. If it is possible to remove all the liver metastasis, surgical removal is recommended. The outcomes after treating stage IV colon cancer with liver disease have improved dramatically. Previously, only about 20 percent of patients would be expected to live five years after diagnosis. With improved chemotherapy and surgical techniques, it is estimated that up to 70 percent of patients can live five years and up to 20 percent can be completely cured.
– Dr. Jacob Dowden, University Surgical Associates; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society
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