[Guest]

I am receiving chemotherapy for stage 3 colon cancer. Of the 12 lymph nodes removed during the March 12th colectomy, 10 were cancerous. Assuming that additional remaining lymph nodes are probably cancerous, why not remove more suspicious-looking swollen nodes (say. laproscopically)? My doctors tell me this is not done. My question is, why not?

david.klemperer@vt.edu

[Guest]

If the disease is in the lymph nodes, this is a marker for blood borne
distant disease. The more nodes involved the higher the likelihood of
distant disease being present. Removal of more lymph nodes does nothing
to change this and in no way improves either long term survival or
disease free interval. The only way to improve these is to undergo
systemic therapy in the hopes of eradicating the microscopic distant
disease. Thank you for using oncologychannel and good luck.
[quote] I am receiving chemotherapy for stage 3 colon cancer. Of the 12 lymph nodes removed during the March 12th colectomy, 10 were cancerous... [/quote]

[Guest]

I am in a similar boat with you. I am a 37 and was diagnosed with colon cancer that spread to liver. I've had 4 surgeries 2 chemo rounds and have been cancer-free for over 2 years. Just found out thru cat scan yesterday that I have 2 swollen lymph nodes in abdomen. Not sure yet if it is the cancer but docs are worried. How are doing now? What kind of treatment are you getting?
[quote] I am receiving chemotherapy for stage 3 colon cancer. Of the 12 lymph nodes removed during the March 12th colectomy, 10 were cancerous... [/quote]