Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum.  ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
 | 

Colorectal cancer diagnosis

by jrinat, Oct 26, 2009 02:32PM
I have been diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer (has metastasized in my lungs). My current CEA level is at 113 after some initial chemo treatments and radiation (The CEA level came down from a high of 372.5 at the 1st of September.) The tumor (mucinous adenocarcinoma), which is pre-sacral and perirectal, did not originate in my colon or rectum per the doctor who performed my last colonoscopy in July. This procedure, as well as two previous colonoscopies, produced a single benign polyp. The tumor measures 11.4 x 11.3 cm and constricts my rectum and bladder (urethra, esp).

Per CT scan:  "Large (11.4 x 11.3 cm) right perirectal mass seen. On this examination performed with rectal contrast, the intimate association of the mass with the lower rectum is more evident, and suspicion is for a rectal origin tumor. However, the differential diagnosis is rather broad, including: sarcoma, chordoma, and teratoma The patient gives a history of bilateral oophorectomy. Therefore, an ovarian origin is considered unlikely.
There is a prominent mass effect seen upon the rectum. No definite fat plane is seen between this mass and the rectum. The remainder of the visualized portions of the bowel are unremarkable, without definite wall thickening or caliber abnormality. No definitely enlarged lymph nodes are seen.
It is unclear if the biopsied mass connects with the rectum or other pelvis structures, or if it is freestanding."

How can they diagnose colorectal cancer based on the results of my colonoscopy? As they have not determined exactly where my cancer originated, what difference, if any, does this make in testing, treatment, etc. Is it important to determine the exact origination point?  I'd appreciate any comments. Thanks.
Member Comments (3)

by Morecambe, Oct 26, 2009 02:35PM
To: jrinat

Hi - I'm wondering whether you might obtain a more "in-depth" answer if you place your posting on the "ask a doctor" (Dr Pho's) G.I. forum

regards
Morecambe

by jrinat, Oct 26, 2009 06:14PM
To: Morecambe
Yes, thank you, I thought I was posting there originally. When I realized where I'd posted I tried to post in the "Related Expert Forum' but could find no way to post. Is this where you can get an answer from a doctor? Thanks for your help.

by Morecambe, Oct 27, 2009 05:20AM
To: jrinat
Yes - click on forums at the top of the page and then on the right hand side ("ask a doctor") scroll down to gastroentorology and click on there and follow the step-by-step instructions to post a question.

regards
Morecambe
Post Comment
To
Comment
Post Comment
Recent Activity
Me967 { :~/ -::::: Happy Thanksgiving everyone. So sorry I haven'...
Jonezy16 is 41 weeks today. Gonna meet our lil' guy tomorrow as we...
Crohn's/Ulcerative Colitis Tracker: not sure
Nov 25 by nikki0207
Mood Tracker: things are looking up health wise
Nov 25 by nikki0207
nikki0207 joined this community
Welcome them!
Nov 25
slickside added the Complete Blood Count Tracker
Nov 19
Anal Cancer updated
Nov 18 by melissw
TMU added the Sleep Tracker
Nov 18
RSS Expert Activity
What You Don't Know About Breathing...
Nov 24 by Steven Y Park, MD
Thanksgiving
Nov 23 by Thomas Dock, Vet. Technician
Snoring As Your Internal Smoke Alar...
Nov 22 by Steven Y Park, MD
Community Members