My mom was just diagnosed at age 83 with stage 3 cancer (adenocarcinoma) of the ascending colon just above the cecum. How likely is this to metastasize to bone? What is the treatment at her age for this stage? I am not knowledgeable in this field and would appreciate some advice.
I'm sorry your mom has been diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. I'm sure this is a very frightening time for your family; I'll do what I can to help. Before we start, I need to remind you that I'm not a medical professional. I'm just a lay person with an opinion. So, please take it for what it is.
What is Stage 3 Cancer?
First, let's begin with what "stage 3" means. Stage 3 describes a malignant tumor that has spread to the lymph nodes but hasn't metastasized (spread) to other parts of the body. Stage 3 cancer used to be referred to as Duke's C cancer (in case you've heard people use that term with respect to your mom). Duke's C is divided into C1 and C2. In Duke's C1, the tumor has penetrated the main muscle layers of the colon. In Duke's C2, the tumor has grown into and through those muscle layers.
Treatment for Stage 3 Cancer
Treatment for stage 3 cancer of the colon generally consists of surgery and chemotherapy. I didn't find data specifically on rates of metastasis to bone, but I did find a study that researched survival rates of Medicare patients with stage 3 cancer of the colon. (I figured it might be applicable because of your mom's age.) Researchers found that those who completed chemotherapy were significantly more likely to survive than people who didn't have chemo. You may want to take a look at the study because it discusses some of the problems older people may encounter while receiving chemotherapy.
Another study mentioned that about 30-40 percent of people with stage 2 or 3 colorectal cancer will have a recurrence or develop a secondary bowel cancer. If it's going to happen, it usually does so within three years.
Benefits of Good Communication
One of the best things you can do, if you live near or will soon be visiting your mom, is to go to the doctor with her. Write down your questions beforehand and then make sure each is addressed. While I can only speak in generalities, your mom's doctor can give you specific information about her case in particular. You may also want to explore the Colorectal Cancer Reading List, which is comprised of books I would recommend to a friend or loved one coping with colorectal cancer.
Thanks for coming to me with your question. Best of luck to your mom, you, and the rest of your family.
Related Articles: Sources:- Colorectal Cancer: Staging. Oncology Channel. 11 May 2006. 8 Aug. 2006 [http://www.oncologychannel.com/coloncancer/staging.shtml].
- Dobie, Sharon A. and Baldwin, Laura-Mae. "Completion of Therapy by Medicare Patients With Stage 3 Colon Cancer." Journal of the National Cancer Institute 98.9 (May 2006): 610-619. 8 August 2006.
- Goldberg, Richard M. "Intensive Surveillance After Stage 2 or 3 Colorectal Cancer: Is It Worth It?" Journal of Clinical Oncology 24.3 (Jan. 2006): 330-331. 8 Aug. 2006.
