follow-up exams are important after treatment for colon cancer. the cancer can recur near the original site or in a distant organ such as the liver or lung. follow-up exams include a physical examination by the doctor blood tests of liver enzymes chest x-rays cat scans of the abdomen and pelvis colonoscopies and blood cea levels. abnormal liver enzymes may indicate growth of liver metastasis. cea levels may be elevated before surgery and become normal shortly after the cancer is removed. slowly rising cea level may indicate cancer recurrence. a cat scan of the abdomen and pelvis can show tumor recurrence in the liver pelvis or other areas. colonoscopy can show recurrence of polyps or cancer in the large intestine. in addition to checking for cancer recurrence patients who have had colon cancer may have an increased risk of cancer of the prostate breast and ovary. therefore follow-up examinations should include these areas.
what is the follow-up care for colon cancer?