Stage 4 Colon Cancer Symptoms: Signs You Must Recognize

Stage 4 Colon Cancer Symptoms

Extreme Weakness and Tiredness

Extreme tiredness is one of the most common stage 4 colon cancer symptoms. The person may feel tired even after doing simple things like walking, sitting up, or eating. This happens because cancer uses up energy in the body and makes organs work more slowly. The person might sleep more often or not feel strong enough to do their normal activities. This weakness is a normal part of life at this point.

Not Wanting to Eat and Losing Weight

Many patients stop feeling hungry or only eat a few bites. Nausea is common, and digestion gets weaker. Because the body can't properly use food, it loses weight quickly. The body looks thinner, and clothes fit better. Families may be worried about this, but it's a normal part of stage 4 colon cancer.

Pain in the Back or Abdomen

Pain in the back or abdomen is another major sign. Many people have pain in their sides, lower back, or abdomen. This happens because the cancer grows and pushes on organs or tissues. The pain can be sharp or dull, and it may come and go or last for a long time. Medicine can help, but everyone feels pain differently. Letting your doctors know helps them change your pain medicine when they need to.

Stomach Bloating and Swelling

A lot of patients have a stomach that is swollen. This could be due to fluid accumulating in the abdomen or the tumor's growth. This swelling can make someone feel full quickly, even if they don't eat much. Your stomach might feel tight, heavy, or painful. This is another common feature of stage 4 colon cancer symptoms.

Changes in How Your Bowels Work

Stage 4 colon cancer can change how your digestive system works in many ways. Some patients have constipation that lasts a long time, while others have diarrhea that doesn't go away. Stools can get thin, narrow, or hard to pass. Some people may see blood in their stool or stool that looks like dark tar. These changes happen because the tumor blocks or hurts parts of the colon.

Feeling Sick and Throwing Up

Nausea is common when digestion slows down. It might be hard to keep food down, and you might throw up a lot. When cancer spreads to the liver, it can also make you feel sick because the body can't get rid of toxins properly. These symptoms make it even harder to eat.

Unexplained Fever

Some people get fevers a lot because their immune systems aren't strong enough. The body is fighting cancer and infections at the same time, which makes the temperature go up. These fevers may come and go for no clear reason.

Problems With Breathing

If colon cancer spreads to the lungs, it can make it hard for the person to breathe. Even little things can make you short of breath. Some people might cough a lot or have chest pain. Breathing is even harder when fluid builds up around the lungs. This happens in advanced stage 4 colon cancer symptoms.

Skin and Eyes That Are Yellow

If colon cancer spreads to the liver, the skin and eyes may turn yellow. This is known as jaundice. The urine may turn dark, and the stools may turn light. Jaundice means that the liver isn't working properly.

Changes in Memory and Confusion

Toxins build up in the body when the liver or other organs can't clean the blood. These toxins can get to the brain and make you confused, forgetful, moody, or have trouble concentrating. The person might sleep more or be less aware. They might not respond to voices or touch in the very late stages.

Legs and Feet That Are Swollen

Cancer can stop fluids from moving through the body. This makes the legs, ankles, and feet swell up. Your legs might feel heavy or tight. Swelling happens more often when the cancer affects the liver.

Bleeding and Bruising Easily

The blood clots with the help of the liver. People with colon cancer who have it spread to their liver may bruise easily or bleed more than usual from small cuts. Some people might have bleeding gums or a nosebleed. In more serious cases, bleeding inside the body can also happen.

Changes in the Skin and a Pale Look

The skin might look pale, dry, or dull. This happens when blood flow slows down or the body gets weaker. In the last stage, the hands and feet may feel cool because blood flow slows down.

Sleeping More and Talking Less

The person may sleep most of the time during the last stage. They might not say much or take a long time to answer. This is a normal part of the body shutting down. Even if they don't talk, they can often hear and understand voices around them, so it's best to keep things quiet.

Changes in Feelings

Stage 4 colon cancer hurts both the body and the mind. A lot of patients are sad, scared, angry, or frustrated. They might want more emotional support or be quieter. During this time, families should be there for each other and be patient.