What is outside of the bowel? If cancer spreads locally out of the bowel, where has it gone to?

My partner has a local recurrence of cancer that was originally in the colon (sigmoid). He originally had a resection. The cancer is "outside of the bowel" near where the join is from the resection. It was described as in the "soft tissue" plus in one lymph node, and will be having a course of chemoradiotherapy. What exactly does this mean - outside of the bowel - is this the peritoneum? Is it a layer of fat? I can't figure out the anatomy. I guess the colon doesn't float in space but I've never wondered before what is outside of it. Thank you for any info

  • I think it means that it has started to spread to the lymph nodes which in turn means it can spread through the body to oyher organs hence chemotherapy, i have had a section of bowel removed plus 22 lymph nodes two of which they said were going cancerous, hence i am waiting for chemotherapy, thats how i read it 

  • Hello ducks and thanks for posting,

    I am sorry to learn that your partner's cancer has come back, this must be a difficult time for you both.

    Unfortunately, as nurses not involved in your partner's care, we cannot say what the soft tissue means, whether it specifically means the peritoneum. Soft tissues connect and surround the different organs and are found in most parts of the body. Soft tissues include muscle, fat, and fibrous tissues. Your partner's specialist or specialist nurse (CNS) might be able to give you more specific information as they know his situation.

    I hope this helps a little. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care, all the best

    Jemma

  • Thank you, that makes sense.