- Stage 0: Also known as carcinoma in situ, this is the earliest stage of colorectal cancer. The cancer only involves the lining, or mucosa, of the colon or rectum and is confined to polyp(s).
- Stage I: At this stage, the polyp has progressed to a tumor, and extends into the wall of the colon or rectum. Treatment can include surgery to remove the section of the colon that is cancerous.
- Stage II: At this stage, the cancer has spread beyond the colon to the tissue that surrounds the colon, but has not spread to the lymph nodes. Cancer spreading in this manner from one part of the body to another is called metastasis.
- Stage III: Cancer that has spread outside the colon and on to the lymph nodes in the area surrounding the colon is known as Stage III. In this stage, the cancer has not spread to other organs in the body.
- Stage IV: The cancer had spread to other organs in the body such as the lungs or liver.
- Recurrent Cancer: Cancer that comes back again after treatment, either in the colon, or in some other part of the body, is called recurrent.
Colon Cancer Awareness Month Fact - The Stages of Colorectal Cancer
By Amber J. Tresca, About.com Guide
Updated February 27, 2006
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
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