Stage 4 Throat Cancer Prognosis: Will Michael Douglas Survive?

By: Aina Hunter
Topics: News ,; Cancer ,; Celebrity

(CBS/AP) Michael Douglas is facing a tough battle, as the actor-turned-cancer-patient undergoes radiation and chemotherapy to treat a tumor at the base of his tongue.

But the 65-year-old Oscar-winning actor is not about to give up.

"It's a fight," Douglas told People. "It really knocks you out."

Appearing last night on "The Late Show with David Letterman," Douglas revealed that he has advanced, Stage 4 cancer.

"You've never looked better to me, and this proves that you're a tough guy, for God's sakes," the talk-show host said, drawing cheers from the studio audience.

"Let's just say ... I'm pretty lit up right now," Douglas replied.

The actor also talked about his chances for recovery.

"I am head and neck," Douglas said. "I am above the neck, so nothing's gone down, and the expectations are good..."

Experts agree with Douglas's upbeat assessment.

Dr. Robert Haddad, an oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, who is not involved in Douglas's care, says this kind of cancer generally responds well to the grueling combination of radiation and chemotherapy.

Douglas found out he had throat cancer in early August after experiencing throat and ear pain.

During the months of treatment that lie ahead, Douglas may have to be fed through a tube, as swallowing will be difficult, says Haddad. Many patients develop severe mouth sores and need strong pain medications - even narcotics, like morphine - to get through it. The side effects of radiation can last for months after treatment.

But the smart money is on a full recovery. Douglas's wife, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, 40, told People that "if there's anything Michael has, it's strength."

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Add a Comment


by tessabellamum October 8, 2010 9:02 PM EDT: I've no idea who his medical team think they're fooling, but stage IV throat cancer has a pretty dismal prognosis.

5 year survival rates are in the 30% range. I'm all for optimism, but realism has to take over at some point.; Reply to this comment


by LoriNY September 24, 2010 1:39 PM EDT: What a question! How many people with stage 4 cancer survive . . . .? Leave him alone.; Reply to this comment


by erasmus111 September 1, 2010 8:53 PM EDT: "Will Michael Douglas Survive?"

The media is pathetic. Why would they ask a question like that?; Reply to this comment