The Stages of Rectal Cancer

Rectal cancer, or colon cancer, affects the digestive system. The rectum is the last six feet of the large intestine. There are five stages of rectal cancer, from the first abnormal cells to the final stage, which is very developed.

Stage 0

• During Stage 0 of colon cancer, abnormal cells have been found in the colon's lining. The abnormality is found only in the colon.

Stage I

• In Stage I, the abnormal cells have become cancerous. They can be found not only in the lining of the colon, but also in the middle layers of tissue.

Stage II

• Stage IIA signifies that the cancer is not only in the colon, but nearby tissues as well. In Stage IIB, the cancer has spread to nearby organs or into the abdomen.

Stage III

• In Stage IIIA, the cancer has spread to at least three lymph nodes. In Stage IIIB, the cancer is in at least three lymph nodes and nearby tissues or organs. Stage IIIC means the cancer has spread to more than four lymph nodes as well as nearby tissues or organs.

Stage IV

• Stage IV colon cancer is very advanced. The cancer has now spread, not only to lymph nodes and surrounding areas of the colon, but also to distant organs such as the liver or lungs.