Discuss the role of CEA in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with carcinoma of the colon. Using TNM classification, discuss the staging and five year survival of carcinoma of the colon and rectum. 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.