He also describes a seven pound weight loss. His past medical history is unremarkable except for a cholecystectomy four years ago. 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.