Colorectal Cancer, Metastatic or Recurrent
Symptoms
Some people who have metastatic or recurrent colorectal cancer do not have any symptoms. When they do appear, the most common symptoms are:
- A change in bowel habits, such as narrow stools or frequent diarrhea or constipation.
- Blood in the stool, or stools that look like black tar.
- Loss of appetite.
- Pain in the belly.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Constant fatigue.
If your cancer has spread, you may have other symptoms, depending on where the cancer is. If it has spread to:
- The lymph nodes of your abdomen, it may cause bloating, a swollen belly, loss of appetite, or a feeling of fullness.
- The liver, it may cause pain on the upper right side of your abdomen, bloating, loss of appetite, or a feeling of fullness.
- The lungs, it may cause coughing, spitting up blood, or a hard time breathing.
- The bones, it may cause bone pain, especially in the back, hips, and pelvis.
- The brain, it may cause problems with memory, concentration, balance, or movement.
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| Author: | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH | Last Updated: December 1, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology | |
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