Confused about relatives diagnosis and treatment for colon cancer

[Fenella34]

Grandad is 87, diagnosed with colon cancer at the beginning of the year. Only symptom was rapidly decreasing iron in blood.They said he had stage T4 and that they were going to do an operation to remove the cancer. They did just that last week. Doctors said they had removed the cancer and he was released from the hospital in about 2 days (He had keyhole surgery). Yet now my family think that it isn't true that all the cancer was removed and I can't help but question this also. I didn't actually know it was stage 4 until today. How can the doctors have removed it all as technically now he should be cancer free but how is this possible when diagnosed at stage 4?

Hoping someone can help, thanks in advance.

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi Fenella34,

Yes. Stage 4 would mean it had metastasized from the original area to completely different areas. I would think it’s highly unlikely that removing the original tumor would remove the metastasis area as well. I have never heard of surgery and no therapy in a stage 4 situation. I would think that if they say they got it all, ask how they know this. Did he receive a PET scan? There are several tests like liquid biopsies (a Grail test) that can check for cancer cells in the blood stream. Cancers always discard dead cells into the bloodstream and these tests can determine that and even tell what part of the body they are coming from.

I do hope your Grandad is doing ok. He is lucky to have you to follow up on things. You are asking the right questions. Please let us know what you find out.

Tom

[bantam12]

You should find out more at the follow up appt with his surgeon where the pathology results will discussed and your questions can be asked and hopefully answered. I hope your Grandad recovers well and the news is positive.