He takes no medications. Physical exam reveals a healthy male in no acute distress. Abdominal exam is unremarkable. Rectal exam reveals no masses and guaiac positive stool. Laboratory studies reveal a normal hemoglobin and hematocrit and renal panel.
Liver functions are normal.
CEA is 27. With the work-up complete, the final diagnosis is adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon without evidence of metastatic disease. Discuss the staging of colon cancer and the associated prognosis. The patient recovers uneventfully from his operation and is ready for discharge. For each of the following cases, suggest a plan for evaluation and management.