Staging of Colon Cancer

Staging reflects on the spread of colon cancer into the body either local spread or distant metastases. Reports of all the investigations are taken into account & are evaluated carefully before staging the colon cancer.

The aim of staging a colon cancer is:

1> To customize the treatment plan for the patient.

2> To determine prognosis i.e. the ultimate functional outcome after completion of treatment.

3> To evaluate the chances of recurrence.

Stages of Colon Cancer

Stage 0: This is a precancerous condition generally found in the rectal polyp where only the superficial cells show the characteristics of cancerous change.

Stage I: The cancer has spread from inner mucosal lining into middle muscular layer and / or outer serous layer but not to any organ outside of large intestine.

Stage II: The cancer has spread to the adjacent tissues but not to the lymph nodes.

StageIII: The cancer has spread to regional lymph nodes draining the lymph from cancerous area but not to other parts of body.

StageIV: Cancer has spread to distant parts of body with metastatic growth into lungs and liver.

My next article will be on “Treatment for Colon Cancer“.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for the general public awareness only. The patient is advised to take proper medical opinion before undergoing any treatment mentioned herein. The author and publisher are not responsible for any consequences thereof.