Most common in end-stage digestive and gynecological cancers, a malignant bowel obstruction can cause significant and uncomfortable symptoms at end of life. Between 25 and 40 percent of malignant bowel obstructions occur from end-stage colon cancer, followed closely by ovarian cancer in women. Treatment of the obstruction is typically geared toward palliation—or non-curative symptom relief. Show What a Malignant Obstruction IsAs opposed to a bowel obstruction in an otherwise healthy adult, malignant obstructions can occur from tumors pressing on the intestines from within or from outside of the digestive tract, or from a physiological inability to move and digest the foods you eat. Further complicating factors might include:
Although it is not a common or anticipated effect, your survival rate drastically decreases if you have end-stage colon cancer and have been diagnosed with a malignant bowel obstruction. The average length of time from end-stage diagnosis to a bowel obstruction is approximately 13 months according to the National Cancer Institute. The mean survival is short, estimated to be no more than four weeks. SymptomsThe symptoms might be easily missed or attributed to treatments or medication. Most commonly reported symptoms of a malignant obstruction include:
The symptoms of a malignant obstruction do not typically self-resolve; they continue and progress in nature unless palliative measures are taken. DiagnosisX-rays of the abdomen and computed tomography (CT) scans will show the presence of an obstruction in your bowel. Paired with your cancer diagnosis, stage, and symptoms, the diagnosis is usually unquestionable. Treatment and Palliation of SymptomsThe primary treatment of malignant bowel obstruction is bowel surgery, but your ability to survive and recover from this surgery may vary greatly as your cancer progresses. If you want surgery to remove the obstruction, your healthcare provider must consider your prognosis as well as:
If you elect not to have surgery or are not well enough for surgical intervention, your healthcare provider has other options to help increase your comfort and decrease the severity of your symptoms. A nasogastric tube—a thin, straw sized and flexible tube—can be inserted into your nose to your stomach. A machine that provides gentle suction can be intermittently connected to remove excess acids and stomach content to decrease nausea and vomiting. Your healthcare provider can also prescribe medications to help relieve the colicky pain and cramping in your abdomen, as well as medications to help relieve nausea. A palliative stent can also be placed endoscopically to hold the colon open, so feces can pass normally. You can also discuss intravenous fluids and feeding methods with your healthcare provider. It is a highly personal choice, but some people choose to continue hydrating and providing nutrients to the body artificially. Fluids can also be administered subcutaneously—just under the skin—to maintain a level of hydration and comfort based on your body's needs and output. Usually, under hospice supervision, some people with malignant obstructions choose to continue eating and drinking a modified diet for comfort measures. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Additional Reading
By Julie Wilkinson, BSN, RN Thanks for your feedback! How long can a cancer patient live with a bowel obstruction?Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) often signals the approach of the end of life, with median survival of about 4 months. In addition, MBO is associated with a high physical symptom burden, including refractory nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
What stage of colon cancer causes bowel obstruction?Bowel obstructions are most common during the advanced stages of cancer.
What happens when cancer blocks the bowel?pain (usually colicky tummy pain) feeling sick. vomiting large amounts (including undigested food or bowel fluid) constipation (shown by not passing wind and no bowel sounds)
What are signs of end stage colon cancer?What are the symptoms of end-stage colon cancer?. Dark blood in the stool.. Constipation and/or diarrhea.. Long, thin, pencil-like stools.. Fatigue.. Weakness.. Abdominal pain or bloating.. Unexplained weight loss.. Nausea and vomiting.. |