Colon Cancer Stage

May 27, 2011

Staging is a method of evaluating the progress of the cancer in a patient. Staging looks at the tumor and the extent to which it has spread to other parts of the body. Once the stage of cancer one can decide on the best course of treatment. The staging of colon cancer is relatively straightforward. 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. Getting the best resources activated is essential. Colon cancer isn't an overnight killer. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Colon cancer stage is highly treatable IF it is caught in the early stages. It is often not symptomatic until it has progressed into a more advanced stage. This is why screening is so important, and why screening is so highly recommended as we pass the age of 50. Actually the greatest risk factor for colon cancer is age.

Cancer that does begin in the colon or rectum is assigned a "stage" by physicians. The earlier the stage of the cancer, the greater the chance of survival. Unfortunately, following the staging can get a little confusing because at least two different methods are often employed. The first, and oldest, is the Duke's classification system. The Duke's system uses four stages lettered A, B, C, and D. Another method, in fact the one recommended by the American Joint Commission on Cancer, be called the TNM staging system.

This system uses four stages I, II, III, IV which correspond to the Duke system, but each stage is further broken down to reflect more detailed information. "T" is used to describe the size and extent of the main tumor. The higher the number, the more invasive the tumor. "N" is used to describe whether lymph nodes are involved, and how many. "M" is used to describe the degree of metastases to other parts of the body. M0 means there is no metastases. Knowing the stage of colon cancer is important for the physician when choosing treatment options. Staging is also predictive of prognosis, that is, the chance of surviving the cancer.

The stages of colon cancer stand for tumor, node and metastases. It can describe the size of your tumor, whether you have cancer in any lymph nodes and whether your cancer has spread. Colon cancer has five distinct stages, with differing treatments for each. Colorectal cancer has four distinct stages, along with a fifth stage that is called 'recurring'. Each stage has different treatment options and five-year rates of survival.

Best Colon cancer information resource.

Colon cancer.

http://www.coloncancerreport.com

Get the latest information on lung cancer treatment options.

Lung cancer.

http://www.lungcanceroption.com

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