Colon Cancer: Stages and Treatment
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the large intestine, which is also known as the colon. It is the digestive tract’s ending portion. Usually, this cancer affects older adults. However, people of any age can be diagnosed with it. Colon cancer starts when polyps, which are non-cancerous clumps of cells, form within the colon. Polyps may produce few symptoms. Explained ahead are the various stages and treatments for colon cancer to help you get a better idea of the disease: 1. Stages of colon cancer Stage 0: During this stage, the abnormal cells are detected in the colon’s mucosa or wall. This stage is termed as “carcinoma in situ.” Stage I: During this stage, the cancer invades the submucosa or mucosa. The submucosa is the large intestine underlining, and it lies below the mucosa. During this stage, malignant cells may also impact the colon wall’s deeper muscle layer, but they do not attack any regions that are outside the colon. Stage II: During this stage, the cancer has spread past the colon wall. However, it has not impacted the lymph nodes. Stage III: In this stage, the cancer spreads past the colon lining and impacts the lymph nodes.