Understanding the Stages of Colorectal Cancer

The

forecasts that over 53,000 people will die from colon cancer in 2020. While this is an alarming number, a colon cancer diagnosis can be managed and treated if caught early enough. Cancer occurs when the tissue in a part of your body multiplies out of control. Named for the part of the body that is first affected,

is a malignant growth in the lining of your colon or rectum. When the components of your body that control the rate at which tissue multiplies malfunction, the affected cells continue to grow and impact surrounding tissue. Because cancers develop over time and at varying rates, there are different stages that identify the development and progress of the disease. The stage of any given cancer will dictate the available treatment options.

The earliest stage of colorectal cancer is stage 0. The cancerous cells are contained in the mucosa, or inner lining of the large intestine. This stage has a high survival rate.

As the cancer works its way deeper into the layers of the colon, stage I begins. Stage IA indicates that it has reached the submucosa. Stage I colon cancer is still well contained and has a good chance of being treated.

Stage II colorectal cancer means that the cancer has grown into, and possibly past the outer layers of the colon or rectum. Stage II indicates that the cancer has reached to the other layer of the colon, but not to any other tissue. Stage IIB means that the cancer is found throughout the colon wall. Stage IIC means that malignant cells have spread to nearby organs and other tissue.

Stage III begins when the cancer is found in nearby lymph nodes.

The most severe form of colon cancer is stage IV. The cancer can be identified throughout the lining of your abdomen as well as distant body parts from the colon.