Now that we've explored treatment options for patients with early colorectal cancer, let's look at a hypothetical Case Study that shows how localized CRC can be diagnosed and treated. Note that while early CRC can often be cured with surgery, close monitoring is indicated following the procedure.

Julie S. is a 62-year-old executive who was referred to a gastroenterologist for a routine screening colonoscopy. She had no symptoms or signs of colorectal cancer.

During the colonoscopy, her gastroenterologist noted two polyps in her descending colon. These were removed with the colonoscope and sent to the pathology laboratory for analysis. Four days later, the results indicated that one polyp was benign, while the other contained an adenocarcinoma with favorable histologic features and clear margins.

Julie met with her gastroenterologist, who explained that no further treatment was necessary at the time. Her gastroenterologist recommended careful monitoring with a repeat colonoscopy in 3 years.