During a colonoscopy, a healthcare professional puts a colonoscope into the rectum to check the entire colon. Blood tests. Blood tests aren't used to diagnose colon cancer. But blood tests can give clues about overall health, such as how well the kidneys and liver are working. A blood test might be used to look for a low level of red blood cells.
This result might indicate that a colon cancer is causing bleeding. Colon cancers sometimes make a protein called carcinoembryonic antigen, also called CEA. Blood tests can track the level of CEA over time. The results might show whether the cancer is responding to treatment. After treatment, CEA blood tests might detect if the cancer comes back. The stages of colon cancer range from 0 to 4. At stage 0, the cancer only involves the inside the lining of the colon. As the cancer grows, it can go through the colon into nearby areas of the body.
Stage 4 is the most advanced stage. At stage 4 the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs. After a colon cancer diagnosis, other tests might be needed to find out the extent of the cancer. This is called the cancer's stage. The health care team considers the cancer's stage when creating a treatment plan. Staging tests might include imaging scans of the abdomen, pelvis and chest. Imaging tests take pictures of the body.
They show the location and the size of the colon cancer. Often, doctors can't be certain of the cancer's stage until after colon cancer surgery. Colon cancer stages range from 0 to 4. The lowest numbers mean the cancer is all inside the lining of the colon. By stage 4, the cancer is considered advanced and has spread to other areas of the body.
When cancer spreads, it's called metastatic cancer. Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your colon cancer-related health concerns Start Here. Colon cancer treatment usually involves surgery to remove the cancer. Your health care team might recommend other treatments, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
