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Bowel cancer

Heather7
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My oldest and dearest friend who is in his early 70's, was offered a 2WW for colonoscopy, following blood in his poo and frequent bowel movements per day. 

After his colonoscopy when he was recovering, the consultant came to say that he had taken biopsies but that he has a "MALIGNANT, STRICTURING, CIRCUMFERENTIAL 50MM COLONIC TUMOUR".   Using quotes because these were his very words.  He has taken biopsies but already my friend is having a pelvic MRI today (Sunday...three days post colonoscopy), and has to have a CTC in a few days time.   

I find it hard to understand why he would use the word malignant, before biopsies have returned.     

My friend is a very stoic and pragmatic man... I am too when it comes to health.  We would always like to know things fully. 

Is it possible to know just from looking at a tumor, that is is malignant?  

  • Hello Heather7 and thanks for posting, 

    I am sorry to learn about what has been said to your friend and can understand this is a difficult time for everyone involved.

    A biopsy can confirm cancer and provide further information about it, but I think there are situations when an experienced consultant would be in no doubt about what they had seen on examination. So I think the answer is yes it is possible sometimes to know from looking that a tumour is malignant although I doubt that it is obvious all of the time. 

    You probably already know that the scans are to assess the cancer more for example to see how far it has grown into the bowel wall and if it looks like it might have spread to any lymph nodes nearby. Knowing this helps to plan treatment.

    I hope your friend finds out more about his treatment options soon. 

    Give us a ring if you want to talk anything. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are around weekdays, from 9-5. 

    Best wishes,

    Julia

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Julia

    Thank you so very much for responding Julia.   This makes entire sense.    How wonderful to have the number to call, as well.   

     

    Best regards

     

    Heather 

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