We all know that colon cancer is definitely a killer when left untreated. That’s the reason why the earlier it was diagnosed, the higher the chances of getting it cured. However, due to the fact that every kind of cancer has different stages or levels, it’s a very necessary thing to know what particular colon cancer stage the patient has in order for the doctors to apply the right kind of treatment. The truth is, even though the colon cancer doesn’t have any cure yet, diagnosing it correctly will definitely hasten cure manufacturing efforts.
As of the time of this writing, the colon cancer is known to have five stages, which is used to be rated by means of Duke’s System. Listed below are the colon cancer stages and some of its clarification and diagnostic basics.
- Stage 0 Colon Cancer – Being the earliest known colon cancer stage possible, this is called carcinoma in situ. This is composed of two separate words: “carcinoma” which refers to cancer starting in epithelial tissue and in situ meaning “original place”. It is usually diagnosed in the innermost lining of the colon.
- Stage 1 Colon Cancer – In this stage, the colon cancer has extended from the innermost layers of the colon up to the middle layers. This is used to be called Duke’s A colon cancer.
- Stage 2 Colon Cancer – Being used to be called Duke’s B Colon Cancer, the colon cancer is considered to be in stage two after it had spread from beyond the middle layers of the whole colon. Sometimes, it is still considered stage two even if it has spread to the nearby organs.
- Stage 3 Colon Cancer – Formerly known as Duke’s C Colon Cancer, the patient’s colon cancer is being considered in this stage if it spreads itself in at least three lymph nodes inside the patient’s body.
- Stage 4 Colon Cancer – Formerly called Duke’s D Colon Cancer, the stage four colon cancer is the most advanced colon cancer stage. Generally speaking, the colon cancer has already spread to the nearby organs and lymph nodes of the patient’s body, especially the person’s liver and lungs.
As of now, just like the other kinds of cancer, the colon cancer’s treatment is only possible if it is correctly diagnosed and treated in the first two early stages. Needless to say, the higher the colon cancer’s stage is, the more difficult it is to get treated.