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Stage 4 bowel cancer

Nicola G
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My brother of 50 was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer 3 months ago spread to his liver and peritoneum. He had 2 colonoscopies to get results and we were told adenocarcinoma not amenable to immunotherapy. He has started his chemo and had 2 rounds. The last round has been put off a week but he has received an appointment notification for an FNA biopsy of his liver. We’re confused as to why they want to perform a potentially risky procedure when we know it’s stage 4 and an adenocarcinoma. What good could this do. We also have not had any discussion about this plan as he’s in the middle of his treatment and we will not know how he’s responded without repeat scans. Can yo please advise as to possible reasoning behind this plan? Thank you

  • Hi Nicola, 

     

    My name is Sharon and I’m one of the Macmillan cancer information nurse specialists on the Macmillan Cancer Support Line. 

    Thank you for contacting us and welcome to the Online Community. I hope you find it a helpful place to look for support and ask questions.

    I am sorry to hear that you and your family have been going through such a difficult time recently. It is completely understandable that you are anxious about your brother and want to clarify what is happening.

    Your brother’s Clinical Nurse Specialist or Consultant are best placed to answer questions that are specific to his diagnosis and treatment. It may be helpful to arrange an appointment to discuss the biopsy.

    Biopsies are performed to clarify diagnosis, but also to inform treatment decisions and to monitor disease progression or response to treatment. Generally, a liver biopsy is a safe procedure, but no invasive procedure is free of risk. The decision to perform any procedure is based on a balance between the risk of the procedure and the likely benefits. Your brother’s Consultant will be able to tell him what they are hoping to achieve by doing the liver biopsy.

    The British Society of Gastroenterology, the Royal College of Radiologists and the Royal College of Pathology have worked together to produce guidelines on the use of liver biopsy. There is a ‘lay person’s summary’ on the BMJ Journals website, which you may find helpful.

    You may find the website Bowel Cancer UK a useful resource.

    Sometimes it can be useful to talk things through with someone. Our support line is open every day between 8am and 8pm if you want to talk to one of our nurses.

    I hope this information has been helpful.  

     

    Kind regards

    Sharon A, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist  

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.  

    Ref/SA/KG

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