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30yrs. with UC now cancer why does the whole colon need to be taken out?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/29/2017 12:38 AM (GMT -5)
Have been feeling normal for over 4yrs. now and last Friday Dr. did 2nd scope in 3 mths. to check out a spot located at splenic flexure 60-65 centimeters and waiting on biopsy results. I've had this Dr. for 20yrs. so I got the feeling that his opinion of possible cancer for the first time will be right. My question is Why do I need the whole colon taken out and a j pouch when I've had normal BM's for yrs. now? Why not cut out the effected area? Has anyone been in this position and what should I expect. I'm 60 with 30 yrs. with UC but feeling good for 9yrs. Imuran
Biopsy report in 3-4 days.
Posted 1/29/2017 4:08 AM (GMT -5)
I think in your case, if your biopsy is confirmed as cancer, meet with a surgeon and ask him/her if that is an option for you. If it's not, ask why.
Posted 1/29/2017 11:10 AM (GMT -5)
The type of surgery you would have if it's cancer is individual to you and what's going on. (Early stage, etc.) Some people may be able to have a resection and some will have to have their entire colon removed. Your best bet is to wait for the results to come back then consult with a colorectal surgeon before you get too ahead of yourself with worry. All the the best to you.
Posted 1/29/2017 6:26 PM (GMT -5)
People with colon cancer and no UC do get just part of colon removed. In you case the cancer may be related to UC and the concern would be that a new cancer would sprout, and possibly spread faster.

I would get very closely monitored 2x yearly if you kept part of the colon. Having the cancer re-occur and jump to nearby organs is the last thing you want.
Posted 1/30/2017 10:54 AM (GMT -5)
Thanks Db, that's pretty much the way I see it. 30yrs. and I feared this moment
Posted 1/30/2017 11:11 AM (GMT -5)
First i'd wait for the biopsy results. If it's dysplasia (pre cancer) then your options are more frequent screenings or colectomy.

There's no reason to fear, as the sugery is routine and outcomes generally quite good. The key thing is colorectal cancer is usually caught in a precancerous state. So you technically don't have cancer yet. Dysplasia is the precursor to it, unusual cell structures and such. Even if you have CRC it is slow moving and unlikely to spread throughout the body as other cancers can.

I'd hope for the best but plan for the worst-case. Just start reading up on j-pouch (IPAA) and learn what you can. We've got regular posters who have undergone surgery and are living life without worries about UC. Flares no longer occur and they are consistent in what to expect daily from their pouch.
Posted 2/11/2017 6:31 AM (GMT -5)
That's for response. No cancer. Thank God! waited 2 weeks. Another scope scheduled.
I'm going to start a new thread though and schedule a consultation with my Dr. before next scope.
A "WHAT IF" consultation.
Posted 2/11/2017 8:44 AM (GMT -5)
Yay! That's great. You're smart to do your homework. Best wishes.
Posted 2/11/2017 12:40 PM (GMT -5)
Hi....awesone news. What exactly were the results?

q
Posted 2/11/2017 3:01 PM (GMT -5)
You know that will be my first ? What the hell is it because it's not a polyp,active colitis, and not cancer. Nurse said inactive colitis everything normal. WHAT!
As you can see it's been since 2008 since I've had an issue. Been feeling good for that long ( 1 little flu flare up). I've forgotten that cancer can be a silent disease. One would think it would show it's ugly face during those terrible years of uncontrollable UC
WAKE UP CALL!

I can tell by the # of posts your both generous with your time and effort. Good Luck and God Bless

Thanks,
Jeff

ps. 3 cycles of prednisone and Imuran over a 2yr. period finally did the trick, after countless drugs.

now just 4 pills of Imuran daily for the last 5yrs. but prepped for remicad
Posted 2/11/2017 6:23 PM (GMT -5)
Great news and a sigh of relief smile
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