Necrosis

Dear Dollhouse 

Thanks for contacting us on the Online Community. I’m Debbie, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists. I am sorry to read that your mum has stage 4 bowel cancer and can understand this is a difficult time for you. Here at the Macmillan Support Line, we can give general information and support. We are independent from the NHS and don’t have access to medical records, so we can’t give personalised information.

Necrotic cancer refers to the death of cancer cells in an area of a tumour. It can occur due to damage to the blood vessels of the cancer as it grows. This leads to a lack of oxygen and nutrients in an area of the tumour and the cells die. It can cause inflammation and damage to cells in the area, which can lead to swelling and sometimes discomfort or pain. Unfortunately, it isn’t possible for us to say what the effect could be in your mum’s situation, as we are not directly involved in her care.

Your mum’s doctors are in the best position to say how the necrosis might affect your mum, and they will be able to manage any symptoms that it causes. Sometimes necrosis can make immunotherapy treatment work better and can trigger an immune response to help fight the cancer.

You don’t mention whether your mum is at home, or in hospital, or somewhere else at the moment. It might be helpful for you to call us and give more details about her situation, so that we can let you know more about how we can support you and your family. The number to call is 0808 808 0000 and we are open every day from 8am to 8pm.

Stage 4 cancer means an advanced cancer and we have a lot of helpful information about advanced cancer, treatments, and looking after someone with cancer at home.

If your mum is at home and has any new, worsening or changing symptoms, we recommend that you contact her hospital team, GP or 111.

I hope that this information is helpful and please feel welcome to contact us again for further information and support.

With best wishes

Debbie

Ref: DC/SMc