Colon cancer
What the FAA's documents say about colon cancer, in plain words, with the FAA's own words one press away.
FAA term: Colon Cancer/Colorectal Cancer
Short version
The FAA's table sorts it into four rows.
| Situation | What the examiner does | Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| Row ANon metastatic, with treatment completed five or more years ago. The table's condition for ISSUE is no recurrence or ongoing treatment. | Examiner issues | Examiner can issue |
| Row BA pedunculated cancerous polyp (adenocarcinoma) removed by colonoscopy less than five years ago. The table has the examiner review a current, detailed clinical progress note, and its condition for ISSUE is that the note shows a local lesion only (TNM stage 0 or I), complete resection with no additional treatment needed, follow-up by annual or less frequent colonoscopy, and no clinical concerns. | Examiner issues | Examiner can issue |
| Row CNon metastatic and no high-risk features, with treatment completed less than five years ago. | Worksheet | CACI |
| Row DHigh-risk features, or metastatic disease. The table says metastatic disease refers to distant metastatic disease such as lung, liver, lymph nodes, peritoneum and brain. | Defers to the FAA | Special Issuance |
Show the FAA's words: the FAA's table for Colon cancer
- Row A · Examiner can issue
Non metastatic, with treatment completed five or more years ago. The table's condition for ISSUE is no recurrence or ongoing treatment. The table says ISSUE, and has the examiner summarize this history in Block 60.
Non metastatic - treatment completed 5 or more years ago … If no recurrence or ongoing treatment: … ISSUE Summarize this history in Block 60.
- Row B · Examiner can issue
A pedunculated cancerous polyp (adenocarcinoma) removed by colonoscopy less than five years ago. The table has the examiner review a current, detailed clinical progress note, and its condition for ISSUE is that the note shows a local lesion only (TNM stage 0 or I), complete resection with no additional treatment needed, follow-up by annual or less frequent colonoscopy, and no clinical concerns. The table says ISSUE, and has the examiner summarize this history in Block 60.
Pedunculated cancerous polyp (Adenocarcinoma) removed by colonoscopy Less than 5 years ago … Review current, detailed Clinical Progress Note. If it shows: Local lesion only (TNM stage 0 or I); Complete resection with no additional treatment needed; Follow up is annual or less frequent colonoscopy; No clinical concerns. … ISSUE Summarize this history in Block 60.
- Row C · CACI
Non metastatic and no high-risk features, with treatment completed less than five years ago. The table sends the examiner to the CACI worksheet for colon cancer/colorectal cancer, and has the examiner note it in Block 60.
Non metastatic and no High-Risk features* Treatment completed Less than 5 years ago … Follow CACI worksheet. Follow the CACI-Colon Cancer/ Colorectal Cancer Worksheet Note in Block 60
- Row D · Special Issuance
High-risk features, or metastatic disease. The table says metastatic disease refers to distant metastatic disease such as lung, liver, lymph nodes, peritoneum and brain. The examiner defers and submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
HIGH RISK features* Or Metastatic disease (Refers to distant metastatic disease such as: lung, liver, lymph nodes, peritoneum, brain.) … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
- A note on the table, 1
The table's notes list what high-risk features include for FAA purposes, in its own terms, and say these do not CACI qualify.
*Notes: High-Risk features for FAA purposes include the following. These DO NOT CACI qualify: … CEA increase or CEA did not decrease with colectomy; … Chemotherapy ever (including neoadjuvant); … Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP); … High risk pathology per the treating oncologist; … Incomplete resection or positive margins; … Lynch syndrome; … Metastatic disease (Refers to distant metastatic disease such as: lung, liver, lymph nodes, peritoneum, brain) … Pathology of any type other than adenoma (ex: lymphoma, GIST, carcinoid) … Radiation therapy; … Recurrence; and or … Sessile polyp with invasive cancer surgically treated only, no additional chemo/radiation.
- A note on the table, 2
The table's notes say an applicant with an ileostomy or colostomy may also receive FAA consideration, and that a report is necessary to confirm the applicant has fully recovered from the surgery and is completely asymptomatic.
An applicant with an ileostomy or colostomy may also receive FAA consideration. A report is necessary to confirm that the applicant has fully recovered from the surgery and is completely asymptomatic.
- A note on the table, 3
The table's notes say that in the case of a history of bowel obstruction, a report on the cause and present status of the condition must be obtained from the treating physician.
In the case of a history of bowel obstruction, a report on the cause and present status of the condition must be obtained from the treating physician.
The FAA pathways for colon cancer
- How this pathway works: Examiner can issueNo special pathwayRow A
- How this pathway works: CACIConditions AMEs Can IssueRow C
- How this pathway works: Special IssuanceAuthorization for Special Issuance of a Medical CertificateRow D
- How this pathway works: AASIAME Assisted Special IssuanceAfter the FAA decides
Which exam
Your step-by-step plan
Step 1: The progress note from the treating doctor or specialist
The note the examiner reviews, and what it verifies.Within 90 days before the examA current, detailed progress note from a clinic visit with your treating physician or specialist, no more than 90 days before the exam. Your AME reviews it.
It verifies
- The condition is stable, with no concerns
- Back to full daily activities, with no treatment needed
Show the FAA's words: The progress note from the treating doctor or specialist
the AME must review a current, detailed Clinical Progress Note generated from a clinic visit with the treating physician or specialist no more than 90 days before the AME exam.
FAA source: CACI – Colon Cancer/Colorectal Cancer Worksheet. FAA date 27 April 2022; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
The treating physician’s current, detailed Clinical Progress Note verifies the condition is stable with no concerns and the airman is back to full daily activities with no treatment needed. [ ] Yes
FAA source: CACI – Colon Cancer/Colorectal Cancer Worksheet. FAA date 27 April 2022; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
Step 2: Lab tests from the last 90 days
The CEA and CBC the worksheet asks about.CEA
Within 90 days before the examA CEA within the last 90 days that is normal, with no increase from previous levels.
CBC
Within 90 days before the examA CBC within the last 90 days showing a hemoglobin greater than 11 and no other significant abnormalities.
Show the FAA's words: Lab tests from the last 90 days
CEA within the last 90 days is normal and has no increase from previous levels. [ ] Yes
FAA source: CACI – Colon Cancer/Colorectal Cancer Worksheet. FAA date 27 April 2022; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
CBC within the last 90 days shows a hemoglobin greater than 11 and no other significant abnormalities. [ ] Yes
FAA source: CACI – Colon Cancer/Colorectal Cancer Worksheet. FAA date 27 April 2022; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
Step 3: The worksheet's criteria
The stage and CEA at diagnosis, and what the worksheet does not accept.A TNM stage at diagnosis of 0, I, II or III, and a CEA at diagnosis of less than 5 ng/ml.
No high-risk features, ever
- Not: CEA increase, or CEA did not decrease with colectomy
- Not: Chemotherapy ever, including neoadjuvant
- Not: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- Not: High-risk pathology per the treating oncologist
- Not: Incomplete resection or positive margins
- Not: Lynch syndrome
- Not: Distant metastatic disease, such as lung, liver, lymph nodes, peritoneum, brain, etc.
- Not: Pathology of any type other than adenoma, such as lymphoma, GIST or carcinoid
- Not: Radiation therapy
- Not: Recurrence
- Not: Sessile polyp with invasive cancer surgically treated only, with no additional chemotherapy or radiation
No recurrence
- Not: Any evidence or concern of recurrence on colonoscopy or imaging studies, per acceptable current practice guidelines
No metastatic disease ever, or symptoms such as
- Not: Metastatic disease ever, distant to liver, lung, lymph nodes, peritoneum, brain, etc.
- Not: Headache or vision changes
- Not: Focal neurologic dysfunction
- Not: Gait disturbance
- Not: Cognitive dysfunction, including memory problems and mood or personality changes
Show the FAA's words: The worksheet's criteria
TNM stage at diagnosis was 0, I, II or III. [ ] Yes
FAA source: CACI – Colon Cancer/Colorectal Cancer Worksheet. FAA date 27 April 2022; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
CEA at diagnosis was less than 5 ng/ml. [ ] Yes
FAA source: CACI – Colon Cancer/Colorectal Cancer Worksheet. FAA date 27 April 2022; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
High Risk – any evidence of the following features ever:
CEA increase or CEA did not decrease with colectomy;
Chemotherapy ever (including neoadjuvant);
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP);
High-risk pathology per the treating oncologist;
Incomplete resection or positive margins;
Lynch syndrome;
Metastatic disease - refers to distant metastatic disease such as lung, liver, lymph nodes, peritoneum, brain, etc.;
Pathology of any type other than adenoma (ex: lymphoma, GIST, carcinoid);
Radiation therapy;
Recurrence; and/or
Sessile polyp with invasive cancer surgically treated only, no additional chemo/radiation. [ ] None
FAA source: CACI – Colon Cancer/Colorectal Cancer Worksheet. FAA date 27 April 2022; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
Recurrence - any evidence or concern based on colonoscopy or imaging studies per acceptable current practice guidelines. [ ] No
FAA source: CACI – Colon Cancer/Colorectal Cancer Worksheet. FAA date 27 April 2022; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
Metastatic disease ever (distant to liver, lung, lymph nodes, peritoneum, brain, etc.) or symptoms such as:
Headache or vision changes;
Focal neurologic dysfunction;
Gait disturbance; and/or
Cognitive dysfunction, including memory problems and mood or personality changes.
[ ] None
FAA source: CACI – Colon Cancer/Colorectal Cancer Worksheet. FAA date 27 April 2022; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
Step 4: Reports the table's notes call for
After an ileostomy or colostomy, or a bowel obstruction.Report on recovery from ileostomy or colostomy surgery
If you have an ileostomy or colostomy and the case goes to the FAA.
If you have an ileostomy or colostomy and the case goes to the FAA.
A report confirming that you have fully recovered from the surgery and are completely asymptomatic.
Report on a bowel obstruction
If you have a history of bowel obstruction.
If you have a history of bowel obstruction.
A report from your treating physician on the cause and present status of the condition.
Show the FAA's words: Reports the table's notes call for
An applicant with an ileostomy or colostomy may also receive FAA consideration. A report is necessary to confirm that the applicant has fully recovered from the surgery and is completely asymptomatic.
FAA source: Colon Cancer/Colorectal Cancer Disposition Table. FAA date 25 February 2026; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
In the case of a history of bowel obstruction, a report on the cause and present status of the condition must be obtained from the treating physician.
FAA source: Colon Cancer/Colorectal Cancer Disposition Table. FAA date 25 February 2026; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
What the examiner checks
It depends on which row of the FAA's table describes the case.
Row AExaminer issuesExaminer can issue
The table says ISSUE, and has the examiner summarize this history in Block 60.
Row BExaminer issuesExaminer can issue
The table says ISSUE, and has the examiner summarize this history in Block 60.
Row CWorksheetCACI
The table sends the examiner to the CACI worksheet for colon cancer/colorectal cancer, and has the examiner note it in Block 60.
Row DDefers to the FAASpecial Issuance
The examiner defers and submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
If the examiner defers
Show the FAA's words: what the examiner does on each row
- Row A · Examiner can issue
Non metastatic, with treatment completed five or more years ago. The table's condition for ISSUE is no recurrence or ongoing treatment. The table says ISSUE, and has the examiner summarize this history in Block 60.
Non metastatic - treatment completed 5 or more years ago … If no recurrence or ongoing treatment: … ISSUE Summarize this history in Block 60.
- Row B · Examiner can issue
A pedunculated cancerous polyp (adenocarcinoma) removed by colonoscopy less than five years ago. The table has the examiner review a current, detailed clinical progress note, and its condition for ISSUE is that the note shows a local lesion only (TNM stage 0 or I), complete resection with no additional treatment needed, follow-up by annual or less frequent colonoscopy, and no clinical concerns. The table says ISSUE, and has the examiner summarize this history in Block 60.
Pedunculated cancerous polyp (Adenocarcinoma) removed by colonoscopy Less than 5 years ago … Review current, detailed Clinical Progress Note. If it shows: Local lesion only (TNM stage 0 or I); Complete resection with no additional treatment needed; Follow up is annual or less frequent colonoscopy; No clinical concerns. … ISSUE Summarize this history in Block 60.
- Row C · CACI
Non metastatic and no high-risk features, with treatment completed less than five years ago. The table sends the examiner to the CACI worksheet for colon cancer/colorectal cancer, and has the examiner note it in Block 60.
Non metastatic and no High-Risk features* Treatment completed Less than 5 years ago … Follow CACI worksheet. Follow the CACI-Colon Cancer/ Colorectal Cancer Worksheet Note in Block 60
- Row D · Special Issuance
High-risk features, or metastatic disease. The table says metastatic disease refers to distant metastatic disease such as lung, liver, lymph nodes, peritoneum and brain. The examiner defers and submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
HIGH RISK features* Or Metastatic disease (Refers to distant metastatic disease such as: lung, liver, lymph nodes, peritoneum, brain.) … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
The CACI worksheet's criteria
Progress note
- The condition is stable, with no concerns
- Back to full daily activities, with no treatment needed
The worksheet's criteria
No high-risk features, ever
- Not: CEA increase, or CEA did not decrease with colectomy
- Not: Chemotherapy ever, including neoadjuvant
- Not: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- Not: High-risk pathology per the treating oncologist
- Not: Incomplete resection or positive margins
- Not: Lynch syndrome
- Not: Distant metastatic disease, such as lung, liver, lymph nodes, peritoneum, brain, etc.
- Not: Pathology of any type other than adenoma, such as lymphoma, GIST or carcinoid
- Not: Radiation therapy
- Not: Recurrence
- Not: Sessile polyp with invasive cancer surgically treated only, with no additional chemotherapy or radiation
No recurrence
- Not: Any evidence or concern of recurrence on colonoscopy or imaging studies, per acceptable current practice guidelines
No metastatic disease ever, or symptoms such as
- Not: Metastatic disease ever, distant to liver, lung, lymph nodes, peritoneum, brain, etc.
- Not: Headache or vision changes
- Not: Focal neurologic dysfunction
- Not: Gait disturbance
- Not: Cognitive dysfunction, including memory problems and mood or personality changes
Show the FAA's words: the CACI worksheet's criteria for Colon cancer
- Stable with no concerns, back to full daily activities, with no treatment needed
FAA criterion: the progress note verifies the condition is stable with no concerns and the pilot is back to full daily activities with no treatment needed.
The treating physician’s current, detailed Clinical Progress Note verifies the condition is stable with no concerns and the airman is back to full daily activities with no treatment needed. [ ] Yes
- No high-risk features, ever
FAA criterion: the worksheet asks whether there is any evidence, ever, of the high-risk features it lists, in its own terms, and the acceptable answer on it is None.
High Risk – any evidence of the following features ever: … CEA increase or CEA did not decrease with colectomy; … Chemotherapy ever (including neoadjuvant); … Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP); … High-risk pathology per the treating oncologist; … Incomplete resection or positive margins; … Lynch syndrome; … Metastatic disease - refers to distant metastatic disease such as lung, liver, lymph nodes, peritoneum, brain, etc.; … Pathology of any type other than adenoma (ex: lymphoma, GIST, carcinoid); … Radiation therapy; … Recurrence; and/or … Sessile polyp with invasive cancer surgically treated only, no additional chemo/radiation. [ ] None
- No evidence or concern of recurrence
FAA criterion: the worksheet asks about recurrence -- any evidence or concern based on colonoscopy or imaging studies per acceptable current practice guidelines -- and the acceptable answer on it is No.
Recurrence - any evidence or concern based on colonoscopy or imaging studies per acceptable current practice guidelines. [ ] No
- No metastatic disease ever, and none of the symptoms the worksheet lists
FAA criterion: the worksheet asks about metastatic disease ever (distant to liver, lung, lymph nodes, peritoneum, brain, etc.) or symptoms such as headache or vision changes, focal neurologic dysfunction, gait disturbance, and/or cognitive dysfunction, including memory problems and mood or personality changes, and the acceptable answer on it is None.
Metastatic disease ever (distant to liver, lung, lymph nodes, peritoneum, brain, etc.) or symptoms such as: … Headache or vision changes; … Focal neurologic dysfunction; … Gait disturbance; and/or … Cognitive dysfunction, including memory problems and mood or personality changes. … [ ] None
If the examiner defersSpecial Issuance
The table's last row is high-risk features, or metastatic disease, which the row says refers to distant metastatic disease such as lung, liver, lymph nodes, peritoneum and brain. The table marks it DEFER.
What the FAA lists to send
- Item 1. A status report or treatment records from the treating oncologist that provide the initial staging, the disease course including any recurrences, the locations of metastatic disease (if any), the treatments used, how long the condition has been stable, and whether any upcoming treatment change is planned or expected, with the prognosis.
- Item 2. A medication list, with the dates started and stopped, and a description of side effects.
- Item 3. Treatment records, including clinic notes.
- Item 4. Operative notes and the discharge summary, if applicable.
- Item 5. Colonoscopy reports and pathology reports.
- Item 6. Results of MRI or CT, or PET scan reports, that have already been performed. The table says in some cases the actual CDs will be required in DICOM format for FAA review.
- Item 7. Lab reports, with a CBC and CEA performed within the last 90 days and previous tumor marker lab results (such as CEA).
Show the FAA's words: if the examiner defers
When the examiner defers
- Reason 1
The table's last row is high-risk features, or metastatic disease, which the row says refers to distant metastatic disease such as lung, liver, lymph nodes, peritoneum and brain. The table marks it DEFER.
HIGH RISK features* Or Metastatic disease (Refers to distant metastatic disease such as: lung, liver, lymph nodes, peritoneum, brain.) … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
What the FAA lists to send
- Item 1
A status report or treatment records from the treating oncologist that provide the initial staging, the disease course including any recurrences, the locations of metastatic disease (if any), the treatments used, how long the condition has been stable, and whether any upcoming treatment change is planned or expected, with the prognosis.
Submit the following to the FAA for review: … Status report or treatment records from treating oncologist that provide the following information: … Initial staging; … Disease course including recurrence(s); … Location(s) of metastatic disease (if any); … Treatments used; … How long the condition has been stable; and … If any upcoming treatment change is planned or expected and prognosis.
- Item 2
A medication list, with the dates started and stopped, and a description of side effects.
Medication list. Dates started and stopped. Description of side effects.
- Item 3
Treatment records, including clinic notes.
Treatment records including clinic notes.
- Item 4
Operative notes and the discharge summary, if applicable.
Operative notes and discharge summary, if applicable.
- Item 5
Colonoscopy reports and pathology reports.
Colonoscopy reports. … Pathology reports.
- Item 6
Results of MRI or CT, or PET scan reports, that have already been performed. The table says in some cases the actual CDs will be required in DICOM format for FAA review.
Results of MRI/CT or PET scan reports that have already been performed (In some cases, the actual CDs will be required in DICOM format for FAA review.)
- Item 7
Lab reports, with a CBC and CEA performed within the last 90 days and previous tumor marker lab results (such as CEA).
Lab reports. … CBC and CEA performed within the last 90 days; … Previous tumor marker lab results (such as CEA).
After the FAA decides
AASIThe AASI sheet for colon cancer/colorectal cancer says an FAA physician makes the first decision and grants the Authorization. After that, the sheet says the examiner may reissue under the Authorization when the pilot provides what it lists. The table says follow-up Special Issuance will be per the pilot's authorization letter.
Show the FAA's words: after the FAA decides
An FAA physician provides the initial certification decision and grants the Authorization in accordance with 14 CFR § 67.401 . … Examiners may re-issue an airman medical certificate under the provisions of an Authorization, if the applicant provides the following:
DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance. Follow-up Special Issuance – Will be per the airman’s authorization letter
What a Special Issuance is
The Guide says an Authorization for Special Issuance, valid for a specified period, may be granted at the Federal Air Surgeon's discretion to a person who does not meet the established medical standards, if the person shows to the satisfaction of the Federal Air Surgeon that the duties authorized by the class of certificate applied for can be performed without endangering public safety during the period the Authorization would be in force.
How the FAA pathways workAt later examsAASI
- First and second class
- Every year
- Third class
- At each required exam
The worksheet says first- and second-class applicants must provide this information every year, and third-class applicants must provide it with each required exam.
Show the FAA's words: how often the FAA asks again
Applicants for first- or second- class must provide this information annually; applicants for third-class must provide the information with each required exam.
Under an FAA Authorization, the AASI sheet lists what the pilot provides for the examiner to reissue. That is the Authorization itself, and an update of the status of the malignancy since the last FAA medical examination, to include the results of a current carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), performed within the last 90 days, if a baseline value is available.
Show the FAA's words: at later exams
Examiners may re-issue an airman medical certificate under the provisions of an Authorization, if the applicant provides the following: … An Authorization granted by the FAA; and … An update of the status of the malignancy since the last FAA medical examination, to include the results of a current (performed within last 90 days) carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), if a baseline value is available.
What AASI is
AASI stands for AME Assisted Special Issuance. The Guide describes it as a process that lets the examiner reissue a certificate under the provisions of an Authorization for Special Issuance, to an applicant who has a medical condition that is disqualifying under 14 CFR part 67.
How the FAA pathways workThe Authorization granted by the FAA
The AASI sheet's list for a reissue begins with the Authorization the FAA granted.
Show the FAA's words: The Authorization granted by the FAA
Examiners may re-issue an airman medical certificate under the provisions of an Authorization, if the applicant provides the following: … An Authorization granted by the FAA; and
An update on the malignancy since the last FAA exam, with a current CEA
The AASI sheet asks for an update of the status of the malignancy since the last FAA medical examination, to include the results of a current carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), performed within the last 90 days, if a baseline value is available.
Show the FAA's words: An update on the malignancy since the last FAA exam, with a current CEA
An update of the status of the malignancy since the last FAA medical examination, to include the results of a current (performed within last 90 days) carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), if a baseline value is available.
What the Authorization letter comes with
The AASI sheet says the Authorization letter comes with attachments that specify the information the treating physicians must provide for the reissue determination.
Show the FAA's words: What the Authorization letter comes with
The Authorization letter is accompanied by attachments that specify the information that treating physician(s) must provide for the re-issuance determination.
When the examiner defers a reissue
The AASI sheet says the examiner must defer to the AMCD or Region if there has been any progression of the disease or an increase in CEA, or if any new treatment is initiated.
Show the FAA's words: When the examiner defers a reissue
The Examiner must defer to the AMCD or Region if: … There has been any progression of the disease or an increase in CEA … Any new treatment is initiated
Good to know
Points from the FAA's own documents that are easy to miss.
What a progress note must include
In most cases it should come from a visit with the treating physician no more than 90 days ago, and cover the history, medications with dosages and side effects, exam findings, test results, diagnosis, assessment and plan, prognosis and follow-up. The FAA's sheet says to make sure the physician adds the prognosis. A portal note or an After Visit Summary that does not meet these criteria is not enough, and neither is a simple "ok to fly" letter. The FAA's documents also call it a status report.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 1
your patient portal to print out “notes” or an “After Visit Summary (AVS).” … Patient Portal notes or an AVS that do not meet the criteria listed below for a detailed Clinical Progress Note are NOT sufficient for FAA purposes. … To be “current,” in MOST CASES, the detailed Clinical Progress Note should be from an evaluation in which you saw your treating physician no more than 90 days ago. … It Must include the following items: … A summary of the history of the condition, … Current medications, dosages, and side effects (if any); … Clinical exam findings; … Results of any testing performed; … Diagnosis; … Assessment and Plan; … Prognosis (This item may not be on a standard progress note, make sure your physician adds this information.); and … Follow-up … Please note: A letter stating, “Mr. Smith is ok to fly” (or any other simple note), is NOT a current, detailed Clinical Progress Note and is NOT acceptable. … You may also see this called a “current status report” or “status report” in current FAA Guidance. Any reference to a “status report” equals the criteria listed on this sheet.
A removed cancerous polyp has its own row
The table marks ISSUE a pedunculated cancerous polyp (adenocarcinoma) removed by colonoscopy less than 5 years ago, where the current progress note shows a local lesion only (TNM stage 0 or I), complete resection with no additional treatment needed, annual or less frequent colonoscopy follow-up, and no clinical concerns.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 2
Pedunculated cancerous polyp (Adenocarcinoma) removed by colonoscopy Less than 5 years ago … Review current, detailed Clinical Progress Note. If it shows: Local lesion only (TNM stage 0 or I); Complete resection with no additional treatment needed; Follow up is annual or less frequent colonoscopy; No clinical concerns. … ISSUE Summarize this history in Block 60.
Sessile polyp with invasive cancer is high risk
The worksheet lists a sessile polyp with invasive cancer treated by surgery only, with no additional chemotherapy or radiation, as a high-risk feature. The table's notes say high-risk features do not CACI qualify.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 3
Sessile polyp with invasive cancer surgically treated only, no additional chemo/radiation. [ ] None
*Notes: High-Risk features for FAA purposes include the following. These DO NOT CACI qualify:
Chemotherapy ever and radiation are high risk
The worksheet lists chemotherapy ever (including neoadjuvant) and radiation therapy as high-risk features.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 4
High Risk – any evidence of the following features ever: … Chemotherapy ever (including neoadjuvant); … Radiation therapy;
The first AASI is deferred to the FAA
For a first-time AASI application for this condition, with all the medical information needed for a determination, the AASI sheet says the examiner must defer and submit all of it to the AMCD or RFS for the initial determination.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 5
If this is a first-time application for an AASI for the above disease/condition, and the applicant has all the requisite medical information necessary for a determination, the Examiner must defer and submit all of the documentation to the AMCD or RFS for the initial determination.
FAA sources
Every FAA document this page relies on, with the FAA's own date and the date Crosscheck last read it. The documents to print open at the FAA, so they are always the FAA's current ones.
- Open to print: CACI – Colon Cancer/Colorectal Cancer Worksheet, a PDF at the FAA, in a new tab
- Colon Cancer/Colorectal Cancer Disposition TableOpen to print: Colon Cancer/Colorectal Cancer Disposition Table, a PDF at the FAA, in a new tab
Examiner can issue, Special Issuance
- AASI – Colon Cancer/Colorectal CancerOpen to print: AASI – Colon Cancer/Colorectal Cancer, a page at the FAA, in a new tab
The sheet the examiner follows to reissue under an FAA Authorization.
AASI
- Open at the FAA: Pilot Information – What a Detailed Clinical Progress Note must contain, a PDF at the FAA, in a new tab
This reports what the FAA has published. It is not medical advice, and it does not say how the FAA or an examiner will decide a case.