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What Are Chances Of Recurrence Of Colon Cancer?
Question: Ok...I have some coflicting information from this site...once more...
I had a colon cancer in situ 14 years ago..removed ..no neoplasm in surrounding tissue.Had neg.colonoscopy 2 months ago..neg.abdominal and intravg.ultrasound.Some lower left abdominal pain and off and on bloat....CEA is 2.9...My md wants a ct scan to look for recurrence.This seems excessive to me and I am upsetI asked him to repeat the blood test..or do another colonoscopy...I suppose he is looking for recurrence.How concerned should I be?Is he erring on the side of caution?
I had a colon cancer in situ 14 years ago..removed ..no neoplasm in surrounding tissue.Had neg.colonoscopy 2 months ago..neg.abdominal and intravg.ultrasound.Some lower left abdominal pain and off and on bloat....CEA is 2.9...My md wants a ct scan to look for recurrence.This seems excessive to me and I am upsetI asked him to repeat the blood test..or do another colonoscopy...I suppose he is looking for recurrence.How concerned should I be?Is he erring on the side of caution?
Brief Answer:
not needed
Detailed Answer:
a CT scan is not a good test to "screen" for colon cancer.
If your colon cancer was in situ, 14 years ago, and have not had any further evidence of colon cancer / advanced polyps since then, your risk of having recurrence of cancer are low.
If this is your case, then colonoscopy would be only needed every 3-5 years (depending on your last colonoscopy findings). CEA levels can be checked every 6-12 months, as it is a simple blood test.
CT scan only if there is anything else to look for, or any other clinical indication. For example if you get abnormal liver test (then concern for a metastasis - which is extremely unlikely if your cancer was in situ), blood in stool, change in your bowel habits, etc.
Lower abdominal pain on and off with bloating, may be related to Irritable bowel syndrome, and you may need a trial of a colon anti-spasmodic, or something for the bloating (such as simethicone or probiotics). CT scan may show diverticulosis, but you should know if you have them by your recent colonoscopy. If this is the case, increase fiber in your diet. If the pain worsens, definitely get the CT scan.
hope that helps
not needed
Detailed Answer:
a CT scan is not a good test to "screen" for colon cancer.
If your colon cancer was in situ, 14 years ago, and have not had any further evidence of colon cancer / advanced polyps since then, your risk of having recurrence of cancer are low.
If this is your case, then colonoscopy would be only needed every 3-5 years (depending on your last colonoscopy findings). CEA levels can be checked every 6-12 months, as it is a simple blood test.
CT scan only if there is anything else to look for, or any other clinical indication. For example if you get abnormal liver test (then concern for a metastasis - which is extremely unlikely if your cancer was in situ), blood in stool, change in your bowel habits, etc.
Lower abdominal pain on and off with bloating, may be related to Irritable bowel syndrome, and you may need a trial of a colon anti-spasmodic, or something for the bloating (such as simethicone or probiotics). CT scan may show diverticulosis, but you should know if you have them by your recent colonoscopy. If this is the case, increase fiber in your diet. If the pain worsens, definitely get the CT scan.
hope that helps
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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