Gastroenterologist Questions Gastroenteorlogist

Colon Cancer Progression Questions

Assuming the WBC and SED rate are slightly elevated due to colon cancer, do these levels increase further as the cancer progresses?

At what colon cancer stage do patients experience abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever?

What is the typical timeframe for colon cancer to progress from stage 1 to stage 3?

During the early stages, are there any symptoms of colon cancer that are not shared with other GI disorders?

Male | 37 years old

1 Answer

Here are my answers, one by one:

1. Yes, WBC and SED rate may increase over time if colon cancer is not treated.
2. Those symptoms would only occur at a very late stage, though in general fever and vomiting are not common.
3. From stage 1 to 3 may take many months but progression is highly variable from person to person.
4. No, at early stages there are usually no symptoms. The first sign of cancer is often anemia, which may happen with no other symptoms being evident.. Late symptoms are weight loss and blood in the stool.