A lot of factors influence the survival rate of people who have stage 4 melanoma of the colon or rectum. Examples are tumor size, depth of invasion, tumor thickness, and tumor stage at diagnosis.
Stage 4 Melanoma Survival Rates
Unfortunately, the average length of survival for people with colorectal melanoma is fewer than 13 months. Statistically, fewer than 14 percent of people with stage 4 melanoma are still alive five years after their diagnosis.
Positive Influences on Stage 4 Melanoma Survival Rate
Certain things can help increase patients' survival rates. A tumor diameter less than two centimeters, a tumor thickness less than two millimeters, and an early tumor stage at diagnosis are generally good news.
What These Survival Rates Mean
If you're reading this article thinking Man, I have no chance, or that your friend, husband, partner, child, or parent has no chance, please don't, because that isn't true. It's important to remember that statistics are simply numbers - generalizations. Yes, they come from somewhere, but they can't predict your future or the future of any one person. Many people (myself included) wouldn't be living the lives they're living had they not beaten the odds.
So is it good to have a general idea what you're up against? Yes, I think so. But are you bound by these numbers? Absolutely not. Please keep that in mind whenever you look at any survival rates, not just these. And if you'd like to talk to others about stage 4 cancer, feel free to stop by the Colon Cancer Forum.
Related Articles:- Malignant Melanoma of the Colon and Rectum
- Anal Melanoma Incidence Statistics
- Advice Column: My Dad Has Melanoma of the Colon
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