Question 1

is metastatic anal cancer terminal?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately: Metastatic disease (also known as stage 4) is usually not curable by todays treatments. Although use of chemotherapy may improve survival and may rarely put someone into a temporary remission the disease usually returns or more often does not go away and eventually progresses and the patient will eventually succumb to it.

Question 2

are there symptoms of metastatic cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes: In patients with a history of treated cancer, certain symptoms are suggestive of metastatic cancer. Typically these may include: unexplained weight loss, persistent high fevers, drenching night sweats, severe fatigue, severe pain, new seizures, mental changes among others.

Question 3

why is metastatic cancer difficult to treat?

Accepted Answer

Bad biology: Some metastatic cancer does respond well (eg, testicular cancer), but in general when a cancer has spread beyond the confines of its organ (eg, breast, liver) of origin it is demonstrating bad biologic behavior. That is, it appears to be able to spread distantly and "live" away from it's local primary/original tumor environment.

Question 4

do you have any uplifting stories about metastatic cancer being somehow cured?

Accepted Answer

Cancer is beatable: I am not aware of any cancer that is 100% fatal.  We have made great strides in curing this disease.  At recent as 20-30 years ago childhood leukemia carried high mortality rates, and now we're approaching 90% cure rates.  Surround yourself with people who love and support you, and those who are going through something similar, support groups.  Laugh.  Always think positive and never give up.

Question 5

in regards to metastatic cancer, how many times have you heard of a person being diagnosed and living for years?

Accepted Answer

More often nowadays: Metastatic disease is a very broad term with response to rx based on the ca origin, sites of metastasis, and response to therapy. Unfortunately, for some people, survival is measured in months; however, the other extreme is possible, with people living for many years, not unlike a chronic illness which cannot be cured but can be controlled. I hope that whomever you are asking about responds to rx.

Question 6

what's spinal metastatic cancer?

Accepted Answer

Ca not from bone: Cancer from another source that settles or is metastatic to the spine . Prostate cancer breast cancer and lung cancer are a few examples of cancers that can metastasize to the spine. Most metastatic disease to distant sites  occurs via the blood stream.

Question 7

what are some metastatic cancer symptoms?

Accepted Answer

It depends: The symptoms depend on the location of metastasis and the organ involved. General symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss. Often times metastasis can be silent (asymptomatic).

Question 8

is surgery ever appropriate for metastatic cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Yes.
In general surgery is not useful for metastatic (spread) cancer.
However in oligo (few) metastatic cancer -- especially for breast, colon, melanoma cancers  patients may be rendered stage 4 ned (no evidence of disease). This may improve local control and symptoms, survival, and in a few cases even lead to cure.
Removing the primary tumor (kidney) in renal cell carcinoma is helpful in met rcc.

Question 9

can you tell me the life expectancy of someone with metastatic cancer?

Accepted Answer

No: It varies widely depending on the type of cancer.  This is something to ask your oncologist, and ask him or her to be very honest with you.  Although we never know exact time frames, we can usually give you some idea (weeks vs a few months vs six months vs a year or more.).

Question 10

what do you suggest if my dad has got metastatic cancer and spreading very fast..?

Accepted Answer

Discuss with oncolog: If his disease is widespread, then treatment with chemo may buy him some time but will not cure him. Hospice may be a good alternative to improve quality of life.

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Doctor answers about:

Is metastatic cancer terminal

A member asked:

Is metastatic anal cancer terminal?

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Are there symptoms of metastatic cancer?

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Why is metastatic cancer difficult to treat?

A member asked:

Do you have any uplifting stories about metastatic cancer being somehow cured?

A member asked:

In regards to metastatic cancer, how many times have you heard of a person being diagnosed and living for years?

A member asked:

What's spinal metastatic cancer?

A member asked:

What are some metastatic cancer symptoms?

A member asked:

Is surgery ever appropriate for metastatic cancer?

A member asked:

Can you tell me the life expectancy of someone with metastatic cancer?

A member asked:

What do you suggest if my dad has got metastatic cancer and spreading very fast..?

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