Stages of Colon Cancer

There are five stages to Colon cancer. Each level offers a different treatment. The very first stage called Stage 0 consists of only the lining of the colon better known as the Mucosa. This very first stage polyps or benign tumors can be extracted when patients receive a colonoscopy. When the tumors are removed, the chance of them returning does not exist.

The second of the five stages is called Stage I. This stage happens when the cancer spreads past the lining of the colon to the walls of the colon or rectum. A polyp has not been treated and becomes a tumor. Options for treatment may include a surgical procedure to extract the cancerous parts of the colon.

As cancer infiltrates the tissues around the colon but misses the lymph nodes, this is where Stage II is present in the body. As cancer spreads from one part of the body to another it is called metastasis. A surgery called a resection may be an option at this stage. Reportedly a five year survival rate is dropped drastically to 60%.

Stage III colon cancer, is when cancer spreads to the lymph nodes and not to other organs in the body. A more aggressive treatment must be utilized than previous stages. The treatments include but are not limited to medical therapies, chemotherapy and surgical resection of the colon.

As cancer spreads through other organs and lymph nodes, Stage IV cancer of the colon is born. At this point the cancer can spread to the lungs, liver and possibly other organs. Treatment at this stage will require radiation, chemotherapy, medical therapies and many more.

It is very important to monitor your body after surgery. Cancer that returns is termed “Recurrent cancer” this means cancer comes back after treatment. With thorough check ups, if the cancer returns you will be able to treat it early and help prevent further illnesses.