Colorectal Cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the United States, excluding skin cancer. Colorectal cancer is often referred to as colon cancer. It occurs when cells within the colon or rectum grow uncontrollably, eventually spreading to other parts.
The stages are a useful tool when it comes to understanding a colon cancer diagnosis. The staging system helps determine how severe the cancer is and whether it has spread. This is important for determining each person’s prognosis.
We will also discuss common risk factors, treatment options, and stages of colon cancer.
How to determine the stage of colon cancer
Doctors use the TNM system of the American Joint Committee on Cancer to determine the stages of colon cancer. This is based upon the following factors.
Size and depth of tumor (T).
The spread of lymph nodes nearby (N)
The spread of cancer to distant sites (M).
These factors help doctors understand the cancer diagnosis better and assign a stage.
Stages of colon cancer
Colon cancer stages range from 0-5 depending on the results of the TNM assessment. Some stages have extra categories that provide additional insight into the growth of the cancer.
Stage 0. Only cancer cells were found in the mucosa of the colon and rectum.
Stage I: Cancer has spread from the mucosa to the muscle layer but not into adjacent tissues or lymphatic nodes.
Stage IIA: Cancer has spread through the muscle layer but not to other tissues or lymph glands nearby
Stage 2B: The tumor has spread through the muscle layer to the lining of your abdomen but not to other areas.
Stage IIC: The cancer has spread into the nearby structures but not to lymph nodes or other organs.
Stage 3A: The cancer has spread from the intestine to one or three lymph nodes or caused a tumor cell nodule around the colon.
Stage IIIB: The cancer has grown to the point where it has penetrated the organ wall or surrounding organs. It has also spread to one to three lymph nodes or a tumor nodule in the tissues around the colon and rectum.
Stage 3C: The cells of cancer have spread to at least four lymph nodes but not other parts.
Stage IIA: The tumor has spread to one other part of the body, such as the liver or the lungs.
Stage IIB: The cancer has spread beyond one area of the body.
Stage IIC: The tumor has spread beyond the abdominal cavity to the peritoneum, and it may also have spread to other organs or sites.
Risk factors for colon cancer
Doctors consider a number of factors when assessing the risk factors a person has for colon cancer. As colon cancer is more likely to develop as a person ages, age is the first factor doctors consider. The majority of cases of colon carcinoma occur in adults over 50 years old, but younger adults are now being diagnosed with colon cancer at a higher rate. The racial or ethnic background of a person can also be a factor. Ashkenazi and African American Jews are the most likely to develop colon cancer. A person’s colon cancer risk increases if they have a close relative with a history of the disease, such as a sibling, parent, or child.
Other lifestyle habits can also influence colon cancer risk in addition to these unchangeable factors. Sedentary living, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and being overweight are all associated with increased colon cancer rates.
Colon cancer treatment plans
Treatment for colon cancer can involve a variety of methods. However, the choice will depend on the stage and location of the cancer. Early-stage colon tumors are often treated with surgery and chemotherapy. Radiation treatments may also be used. In more advanced cases, chemotherapy and radiation may be combined with partial colectomy and removal of lymph nodes. Treatment of colon cancer varies depending on the type. However, early diagnosis is key to ensuring that treatments are effective.
Researchers still don’t fully understand colon cancer, even though early detection can improve prognosis. New medical discoveries are dependent on clinical trials. Many are currently enrolling — click below to find out more.