A colonoscopy at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City revealed a suspected malignant tumor. A biopsy and CT scan confirmed a late-stage colon cancer diagnosis, with an unidentified lesion in her left lung. Dung underwent surgery to remove a portion of her colon and lymph nodes. A subsequent biopsy of the lung lesion confirmed it was colon cancer metastasis.

Following surgery, she received chemotherapy. Every 4–6 cycles, doctors conducted CT scans of her chest and abdomen to assess her response to the treatment and adjust medications as needed.

After 12 chemotherapy cycles, her condition has stabilized, and the metastatic lesion in her left lung has shrunk. She continues to monitor her health and receive maintenance chemotherapy to prevent further cancer growth.

Doctor Thu consults with Dung. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctor Thu consults with Dung. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctor Nguyen Tran Anh Thu, from the Oncology Department at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, explained that colon cancer has 4 stages. Early detection simplifies treatment and improves long-term survival. In stage 4, the cancer has progressed and spread to other organs, as in Dung's case. Doctors combine targeted therapy and chemotherapy to extend patients' lives.

The colon (large intestine) is located near the end of the digestive tract, connecting the small intestine above and the anus below. The colon receives food from the small intestine, absorbing water and minerals, then forming stool that collects in the rectum. Colon cancer often presents few symptoms in its early stages, or its symptoms are nonspecific and easily confused with common ailments like constipation or diarrhea. The disease is typically diagnosed in later stages when the tumor affects colon function, causing blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, or changes in stool shape. Patients also face a high risk of anemia due to bleeding from the tumor, as well as weight loss.

Tumors affecting the digestive system can cause persistent constipation or diarrhea, accompanied by discomfort, cramping, and tenesmus. Narrow, ribbon-like stools can be a warning sign of colon cancer. Unexplained weight loss can also indicate colon, stomach, or other digestive tract cancers.

Doctor Thu advises individuals experiencing persistent abdominal pain, ranging from severe to dull, accompanied by abdominal distension, inability to defecate, or vomiting due to bowel obstruction, to consult an oncologist promptly for diagnosis and treatment. Regular health checkups and colon cancer screenings can help detect the disease early and remove colon polyps before they become cancerous, contributing to disease prevention.

Nguyen Tram

*The patient's name has been changed.