Colon cancer is more common among adults and individuals in the senior age group. The colon is the organ responsible for eliminating waste as well as keeping the body fit, which is quite important to maintain overall health. But, due to lifestyle changes and poor food habits, among other factors, it can be a victim of different types of diseases.

In colon cancer, cancerous cells start growing inside the inner lining of colon tubules. When not detected in the primary stage, it can spread to the liver as well as other surrounding organs. Factors responsible for colon cancer are a family history of colorectal cancer, poor intestinal conditions, poor lifestyle, obesity, and diabetes, among others. The following article talks about the main stages of colon cancer, which are extremely important in determining the type of treatment that will be used for the condition.

The main stages of colon cancer are as follows:

Stage 0
Stage 0 is the earliest form of colon cancer. This is when it has not grown beyond the mucosa or the innermost layer of the colon.

Stage 1
Stage 1 is indicative of the cancer having grown beyond the innermost layer of the colon or mucosa called the submucosa. It has not yet spread to the lymph nodes.

Stage 2
Stage 2 signifies that the disease is more advanced than stage 1 and it has grown beyond both, the mucosa and submucosa of the colon. This stage is classified into stage 2a, stage 2b, and stage 2c.

• Stage 2a: This stage is indicative of the cancer not spreading to the lymph nodes or nearby tissue. It has reached the outer layer of the colon but not completely grown through.
• Stage 2b: This stage says that the cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes but has grown through the outer layer and to the visceral peritoneum. This is classified as the membrane that holds the abdominal organs in place.
• Stage 2c: This stage signifies that the cancer is not found in nearby lymph nodes but it has grown to the surrounding organs, in addition to the outer layer of the colon.

Stage 3
This is one of the crucial stages of colon cancer as it mainly indicates lesser chances of a complete cure of the condition. Stage 3 is further classified as Stage 3a, Stage 3b, and Stage 3c.

• Stage 3a: This stage means that the tumor has grown to the muscular layers of the colon and is now found in the lymph nodes. But, it has not spread to distant organs or nodes.
• Stage 3b: It signifies that cancer has grown through the outermost layers of the colon and has penetrated the visceral peritoneum or invaded other organs or structures. It is now found in one to three lymph nodes.
• Stage 3c: This stage says that the tumor has grown beyond the muscular layers and is now found in four or more nearby lymph nodes, but not at distant sites.

Stage 4
Stage 4 is classified further into Stage 4a and Stage 4b.

• Stage 4a: This stage says that the cancer has spread to one distant site such as the lungs or the liver.
• Stage 4b: This is the most advanced stage of this sort of cancer and it signifies that the tumor has spread to both distant sites, the lungs and the liver, among others.

The stages of colon cancer are given mainly to be able to decide which course of treatment is the best option; once this is decided, no time must be wasted in going through with the procedures. Timely intervention can make all the difference in the case of any disease, especially one like cancer.