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Colon Cancer

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Follow up

For several years after treatment, it is important to have regular follow-ups to determine if any active cancer cells have returned. Physical and rectal exams by a physician, regular colonoscopy, and blood tests are important to help tell if the cancer has come back. Blood markers like CEA are present in some patients with active colon cancer, so a rise in these blood values is used as an early warning sign that the cancer has returned. However, some people without cancer also have CEA in their blood, so it cannot be a specific test for cancer.

Imaging with PET is also critical in order to look for the return of the cancer. Before PET, it was extremely difficult to monitor patients to see if the cancer had come back. Earlier imaging tests might not see the cancer as sensitively as PET, which could result in a delay of further treatment. In many patients with colorectal cancer, a mass may develop in the pelvis. This can be seen on a CT scan, but CT cannot determine if it is the result of surgical or radiation scarring, or is a recurrent cancer that must be treated.

If the mass is cancerous, it will pick up the radioactive glucose and be seen on the PET scan. If, however, the mass is scarring caused by the radiation treatments, no glucose uptake will be seen in the area of the mass.

PET can be used to image tumor response to therapy and to detect recurrence in successfully treated lesions. For post surgery and other treatments, PET is extremely important for monitoring to see if the cancer cells have returned and if treatment should be re-started.

Colorectal cancer rarely recurs after 5 years, thus most patients who live 5 years without recurrence are considered cured. In the interim, make sure that PET is a part of your regular testing.

PET scanning is an important addition to the tests that can be done right after you are diagnosed with cancer of the colon or rectum.

Contact Care Imaging at 905-712-9500 A PET scan may detect the cancer and see how far it may have spread.

 

  
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