Watch and Wait ?

I am confused with what I have read on the Cancer TResearch UK forum which says that a W&W approach means you do have cancer when if fact, there is no evidence of it in my husband's case. He  had a CT scan which picked up "something" and went on to have a colonoscopy which showed no sign of cancer but did indicate he has an inverted opening to his appendix whch the Dr performing the colonsoscopy thought might have been mistaken for a growth. . The Consultant who saw him after the colonoscopy  said he MIGHT have a tumour in his appendix but they don't know for sure and added that there are no signs of any abnormal cells. He went from advising surgery at the start of the review,  to saying that a Watch and Wait approach would be reasonable given that my husband now has no symptoms (original symptoms indicating possible colon cancer have now gone away acompleyely and that has been the case for a few months now) and is feeling very well.  Husband is due to have another CT scan next month. 

Where should we go for another opinion as the op will be a Just in Case appendectomy and possible removal of some of his colon which, since he is in his early 70's is a major surgery and a fairly lomg recovery time.If it is not necessary, he'd rather avoid it!

  • Hi there and thanks for the post

    I am sorry to hear about your husband's situation and the concern this is causing you both.

    Whilst the words watch and wait is used for cancer patients not yet choosing to have or not yet requiring active treatment, it is a term used to monitor other conditions too.

    As and when something unusual or unexpected is detected in the body that cannot be determined what it is and can't be tested in any other way apart from surgery, doctors may choose to keep an eye on it ( watch and wait) by carrying out regular scans and monitoring it closely for change.

    A watch and wait approach can be very effective and often means patients are spared from having unnecessary treatment.

    It is positive news to hear your husband no longer has the symptoms he first presented with and otherwise feels well in himself. Hopefully the scan will go well and everything continues to remain stable.

    If your husband wishes to have a second opinion we have more information about this. He can either ask the hospital he is under or GP to be referred to a different hospital for his case to be assessed.

    I hope this is helpful information to you both.

    All the best

    Naomi