Condition Basics
What is metastatic or recurrent colorectal cancer?
Metastatic cancer is cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. When colon or rectal cancer spreads, it most often spreads to the liver. Sometimes it spreads to the lungs, bones, or other organs in the body.
Colon and rectal cancers can return months or years after treatment. This is called recurrent cancer. If the original cancer was removed before it was able to spread, the chances that it will return are lower.
What causes it?
Doctors don't know the exact cause of metastatic or recurrent colorectal cancer. Sometimes cancer cells are too small to be found by tests. These cells may continue to grow and show up later as metastatic cancer, even years after treatment.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms can include pain in the belly, blood in your stools, or more frequent bowel movements. If cancer spreads to the lungs, it can cause shortness of breath or cough. In the brain, it can cause headaches, seizures, dizziness, or confusion. If it spreads to the liver, it may cause jaundice or belly swelling.
How is it diagnosed?
Colon or rectal cancer that has spread or returned is diagnosed using a physical exam and several tests, including a blood test, bone scan, ultrasound, and CT, PET, or MRI scan. The diagnosis is usually confirmed with a biopsy.
How is metastatic or recurrent colorectal cancer treated?
Treatment for metastatic or recurrent colorectal cancer is based on many things. These include the location of the cancer, your overall health, and what matters to you. Surgery may be an option in some cases. Otherwise, the main treatments are chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. A clinical trial may be an option.
