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Colon & Rectal Cancer Stages

Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine, and rectal cancer is defined as cancer in the last few inches of the intestines. According to the Mayo Clinic, colon cancer typically starts as a benign polyp, (noncancerous). These polyps may become malignant over time if left untreated. There are five stages in colon and rectal cancer.Treatment for colon and rectal cancer depends on the current stage of the cancer and its location. According to the National Cancer Institute, 49,920 deaths will occur in 2009 from colorectal cancer.

  1. Carcinoma in Situ

    • Stage 0 of colon cancer, also referred to as carcinoma in situ, typically starts in the lining of the colon and has not spread to surrounding organs or tissue. In stage 0 of rectal cancer, the cancerous cells are confined to the innermost lining of the tissue and have not spread to distal areas of the body.

    Dukes A

    • Stage 1 colon cancer, also referred to as Dukes A, has spread beyond the innermost lining, and into the medial layers of the colon. In rectal cancer, stage II is defined as cancer that has spread outside of the inner layer and into the second and third lining of the rectum.

    Dukes B

    • Stage IIA colon cancer, also referred to as Dukes B, is defined as spreading beyond all inner lining layers and into the nearby tissues. In stage IIB of colon cancer, the cancer has spread to other organs, including the peritoneum (abdominal lining). Rectal cancer in stage II means that the cancer has spread beyond the inside of the rectum to the outside tissue.

    Dukes C

    • Stage III colon cancer, also referred to as Dukes C, has three subcategories, in stage IIIA the cancer has spread to at least one lymph node. Stage IIIB indicates that the cancer has spread to at least three lymph nodes and around the rectum, as well as beyond the colon walls and into nearby organs. Stage IIIC, means the cancer has spread to at least four lymph nodes and outside the colon wall and now surrounds the rectum. Additionally, the cancer has spread to nearby organs and entered the lining of the abdomen. In stage III rectal cancer, the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes but has not spread to other areas of the body.

    Dukes D

    • Stage VI colon, also referred to as Dukes D, is the stage when the cancer has spread to outside the colon wall and into nearby organs such as the lungs and liver. In stage VI rectal cancer the cancer has spread to nearby organs such as the liver, ovaries and lungs.

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