by Theodore Frazer
Staging is a method of evaluating the progress of colon cancer in a patient.
That is, it looks at the colon cancer (tumor) and the extent to which the cancer
has spread to other parts of the body. Once doctors know how far along the colon
cancer is, they can decide on the best course of treatment.
Today, the most common used system for the staging of colon cancer is the
American Joint Committee on Cancer's (AJCC) TNM staging system. This staging
system places patients into one of four stages (Stage I, Stage II, Stage III and
Stage IV).
American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Staging System
Stage 0 Colon Cancer
In Stage 0, the colon cancer is found in the innermost lining of the colon
only. Stage 0 colorectal cancer is also called carcinoma in situ.
Stage I Colon Cancer
In Stage I, the colon cancer has begun to spread, but is still in the inner
lining of the colon or rectum. In Stage I, the colon cancer has not reached the
outer wall of the colon. Another name for Stage I colorectal cancer or Duke
A.
Stage II Colon Cancer
In Stage II, the colon cancer extends more deeply into and/or through the
colon or rectum. The colon cancer may have invaded nearby tissue. In Stage II,
it the colon cancer has not reached lymph nodes (Lymph nodes are small,
bean-shaped structures found throughout the body that filter substances in a
fluid call lymph to help fight infection and disease. Another name for Stage II
colorectal cancer or Duke B.
Stage III Colon Cancer
In Stage III, the colon cancer has spread to lymph nodes, but has not been
carried to distant parts of the body. Another name for Stage III colorectal
cancer or Duke C.
Stage IV Colon Cancer
In Stage IV, the colon cancer has been carried through the lymph system to
distant parts of the body. This is known as metastasis. The most likely organs
to experience metastasis from colorectal cancer are the lungs and liver. Another
name for Stage IV colorectal cancer or Duke D.
Recurrent Colon Cancer or Cancerous Cells
Recurrent colon cancer is the return of cancerous cells that have already
been treated. The cancerous cells could return as colorectal cancer, and/or
return in any other part of the body.
Theodore Frazer
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