Colorectal Cancer and Lymph Node Sampling
Your lymph nodes are small bean-shaped collections of immune system cells that are
important in fighting infections. Because colorectal cancer often spreads to nearby
lymph nodes, ideally your doctor will sample at least 12 lymph nodes for disease.
This helps show how far the cancer has spread.
Sampling at least 12 of your lymph nodes is important because:
- It can give doctors a more accurate diagnosis of your condition.
- It helps your medical team make better informed treatment decisions.
While every case is different, it’s wise to speak to your oncologist about having
at least 12 lymph nodes sampled. Knowing the stage of your colorectal cancer is one of the
most important factors in determining prognosis and treatment options.
| For colorectal cancer, there are four stages of tumor growth: |
|
Stage I
|
Cancer is confined and has not spread to neighboring tissue.
Your treatment is most likely surgery.
|
|
Stage II
|
Cancer has spread beyond the original (primary) site, but there is no lymph node
involvement.
Treatment option is usually surgery, but this should be discussed with your physician.
|
|
Stage III |
Cancer has spread beyond the original (primary) site to nearby lymph nodes but not
to other parts of the body.
Your treatment options are usually surgery, chemotherapy and sometimes radiation.
|
|
Stage IV |
Cancer has spread to distant organs.
Your treatment options may include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and immunotherapy
or biological therapy.
|
To help you maintain a dialogue with your doctor, we’ve included some questions to ask on your next visit.
Important Safety Information
Anaphylactic-like reactions to ELOXATIN have been reported and may occur within
minutes of ELOXATIN administration. Epinephrine, corticosteroids, and antihistamines
have been employed to alleviate symptoms.
- Do not take ELOXATIN if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in ELOXATIN or
other medicines that contain platinum. Tell your doctor right away if you feel like
your throat is closing up, have shortness of breath, a flushed face, a rash, itching/hives,
swelling of lips or tongue, sudden cough, dizziness, sweating or chest pain.
- ELOXATIN can cause nerve problems. Tell your doctor right away if you become sensitive
to cold temperatures and cold objects; have trouble breathing, swallowing or saying
words; experience jaw tightness, odd feelings in your tongue, or chest pressure;
pain; tingling or burning in your hands, feet or around your mouth or throat.
- Tell your doctor if you develop a dry cough or have trouble breathing; these may
be signs of serious lung disease.
- ELOXATIN can cause liver problems (hepatotoxicity); your doctor will do blood tests
to watch for this.
- Because of the potential risk of fetal harm, pregnant women should not receive ELOXATIN.
Women of childbearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant while receiving ELOXATIN.
- ELOXATIN can cause a decrease in white blood cells, which can lead to infections.
Tell your doctor right away if develop any of the following signs of infection:
fever, chills, or shivering; cough that brings up mucus, burning or pain on urination,
pain on swallowing; sore throat; or redness or swelling at injection site.
- Other common side effects of ELOXATIN include a decrease in white blood cells, red
blood cells, and platelets, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and tiredness.
- Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescription and
non-prescription medications, vitamins and herbal supplements.
Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go
away. These are not all the possible side effects of ELOXATIN. For more information,
ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Please
click here for full prescribing information including boxed WARNING.