Cecal Mass of 5 cm and Rectal Polyps

[ghn10669]

My wife was diagnosed with colon cancer yesterday at Rush and her specimens has been sent for biopsy. I am trying to figure out next steps and any advise, tips will be welcome.

1. I am trying to determine whether I should pursue a course of treatment via Rush or Northwestern. I live in Chicago downtown so both are accessible easily to us but in perusing the web, Northwestern seems to have better ratings and top quality specialists on board. I am just trying to go to the best hospital near us.

2. The cancer seems to be in the early stage with my wife only 49 years of age and indications from the Dr. is that it is localized. But dont have 100% confirmation on this yet.

3. Surgery seems to be the next step but I am still trying to figure out what additional tests or scans should be done to rule out cancer in other areas. Can anyone who have had similar diagnosis and gone through surgery explain any complications with surgery around the cecum area especially as there is a connect to the small intestine?

Any information of previous discussion links you can provide will be most helpful.

[jens22]

I am sorry to here this. i was diagnosed at age 47. Make sure you go to a board certified Colon Rectal surgeon as surgery probably be indicated. Follow your doctors protocol. This will probably have Catscans and CEA blood test as well as basic blood tests. One step at a time. Did her surgeon say what the next step is?

[JAZZToo]

A CAT scan of the abdomen/pelvis and chest will show if there is any additional cancer activity in other parts of the body. The CEA blood test should be done prior to surgery. It will serve as a baseline to be compared to later CEAs as treatment progresses. However, for some people it will be non reactive and stay within a normal range even when cancer is present. Others will find it an accurate indicator which will rise if cancer recurs.

Is there a history of colon or endometrial cancer in your wife's family? Her relatively young age and the location of the tumor in the cecum may indicate the presence of a genetic Lynch Syndrome. The tumor tissue should be checked for microsatellite instability. If microsatellite unstable, then genetic testing may be called for.

Treatment for colon cancer is pretty much standardized, so either facility would be good.

Leslie
Lynch Syndrome
2014 Pancreatic Cancer
2003 Colon Cancer
1995 Endometrial Cancer

[chrissyrice]

Sorry that you and your wife are facing CRC.

Glad you are there to support her and came here for answers to your questions.

I have heard lots of good things about Northwestern too and I would go for the gold standard in treatment.

Please stay around and let us know how it goes.