colon cancer stages also known as colorectal cancer, is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, affecting millions of people each year, it typically begins in the colon or rectum, where abnormal cell growth leads to the formation of tumors, while colon cancer can be a life-threatening disease, early detection and preventive measures can significantly improve survival rates.

colon cancer stages

colon cancer stages using the TNM system, which assesses the extent of the tumor (T), the involvement of lymph nodes (N), and the presence of metastasis (M), The stages of colon cancer are as follows:

Stage 0 (Carcinoma in situ)

The cancer is confined to the innermost layer of the colon lining, It has not spread beyond this layer and is considered highly treatable with surgery.

Stage I

The cancer has grown into the inner layers of the colon or rectum but has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs, It is often treated with surgery and has a high survival rate.

Stage II

The cancer has spread through the wall of the colon or rectum but has not spread to nearby lymph nodes, It may have spread to nearby tissues or organs, Treatment typically involves surgery, and chemotherapy may be considered to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Stage III

The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes but has not spread to distant organs, treatment generally includes surgery to remove the tumor and affected lymph nodes, followed by chemotherapy to target any remaining cancer cells.

Stage IV

The cancer has spread to distant organs, such as the liver or lungs, at this stage, colon cancer is considered advanced, Treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, and possibly targeted therapies or immunotherapy to manage the cancer and improve quality of life, though it is not typically curable.

Types of colorectal cancer

colon cancer stages can be categorized into different types based on the cells from which the cancer originates, the main types of colorectal cancer include:

Adenocarcinoma

This is the most common type of colorectal cancer, making up about 95% of all cases, it originates in the glandular cells that line the colon and rectum, which produce mucus to lubricate the intestines.

Carcinoid Tumors

These are rare tumors that develop in the hormone-producing cells of the intestines, while they can occur in the colon, they are more commonly found in the rectum, Carcinoid tumors tend to grow more slowly than adenocarcinomas.

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs)

GISTs are rare tumors that develop in the connective tissue of the gastrointestinal tract These tumors are most often found in the stomach but can occur in the colon and rectum, they are usually treated differently from other types of colorectal cancer.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system cells, and while it is more commonly found in lymph nodes, it can also develop in the colon, Colorectal lymphoma is rare, and its symptoms can resemble other types of colon cancer.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This is a rare type of colorectal cancer that originates in the flat, thin cells (squamous cells) lining the colon and rectum, It is more common in the anal canal than in the colon.

Neuroendocrine Tumors

These are rare tumors that arise from the neuroendocrine cells in the colon They produce hormones and may cause symptoms related to hormone production. Though uncommon, neuroendocrine tumors can also lead to cancer in the colon.

Colon cancer symptoms

colon cancer stages and symptoms can vary depending on the tumor's location, size, and stage, In the early stages, colon cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms, but as the cancer progresses, common signs can include:

Changes in Bowel Habits

• Persistent diarrhea, constipation, or a change in the consistency of your stool.
• Feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely.

Blood in Stool or Rectal Bleeding

Blood may appear as bright red or dark in the stool, or you may notice streaks of blood on the toilet paper.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Losing weight without trying, which could be a sign of the body responding to cancer.

Abdominal Pain and Discomfort

• Cramping, bloating, or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen.
• Persistent gas or feeling of pressure.

Fatigue and Weakness

Feeling unusually tired or weak, which may result from anemia caused by blood loss.

Nausea and Vomiting

These symptoms may occur if the tumor blocks the colon and causes an obstruction.

Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Colon cancer can cause slow, chronic blood loss, leading to anemia, which can make you feel weak or lightheaded.

Complications of colon cancer

colon cancer stages can lead to several complications, especially if not diagnosed or treated early, some of the potential complications include:

Bowel Obstruction

As the tumor grows, it can block the colon, preventing the normal passage of stool and gas, this can lead to symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, and constipation, An obstruction may require surgery to remove the blockage.

Metastasis

can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, most commonly the liver, lungs, and lymph nodes, Metastatic colon cancer is more difficult to treat and may require more aggressive therapies like chemotherapy, targeted treatments, or immunotherapy.

Perforation of the Colon

In some cases, a tumor may cause a hole (perforation) in the wall of the colon, this can lead to the leakage of stool and bacteria into the abdominal cavity, resulting in peritonitis, a serious and potentially life-threatening infection.

Bleeding

Colon cancer may cause chronic internal bleeding, leading to anemia (a shortage of red blood cells), This can cause fatigue, weakness, and paleness. Severe bleeding may require blood transfusions.

Metastatic Liver Disease

The liver is a common site for colon cancer to spread, When the cancer spreads to the liver, it can cause liver dysfunction, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites).

Lymphatic Spread

Cancer cells can spread to nearby lymph nodes, which may interfere with the lymphatic system, leading to swelling and fluid retention in the body, particularly in the legs or abdomen.

Decreased Quality of Life

Chronic pain, fatigue, and other symptoms can reduce a person's overall quality of life, Side effects from treatments like chemotherapy or radiation may also cause issues like nausea, hair loss, and increased vulnerability to infections.

Intestinal Fistulas

A fistula can form between the colon and other organs (such as the bladder, vagina, or small intestine), leading to abnormal connections and infections that may require surgical intervention.

Loss of Function of Organs

As colon cancer spreads, it can affect the function of organs like the liver or lungs, leading to complications such as liver failure or difficulty breathing.

Colon cancer treatment

colon cancer stages and treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, its location, and the patient's overall health, the main treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Here’s an overview of each:

Surgery

• Surgical Resection for early-stage colon cancer
• Colostomy in cases where the tumor obstructs the colon and cannot be fully removed, a colostomy may be necessary.
• Laparoscopic Surgery Minimally invasive surgery may be used allowing for quicker recovery and less pain.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing, it is commonly used Before or After surgery, To treat metastatic colon cancer.

Radiation Therapy

uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy drugs specifically target the cancer cells’ molecular structures or the processes that help the cancer grow.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy works by stimulating the body’s immune system to recognize and fight cancer cells.

colon cancer stages is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease that affects many individuals worldwide, Early detection through regular screening is crucial for improving the chances of successful treatment and recovery.

What is colon cancer and how does it develop?

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the colon (large intestine) or rectum. It typically develops from small, benign growths called polyps that can become cancerous over time.

What are the risk factors associated with colon cancer?

The risk factors for colon cancer include age (with those over 50 being at higher risk), family history of the disease, a diet high in red or processed meats, lack of physical activity, obesity, smoking, and heavy alcohol use.

What are the common symptoms of colon cancer?

Common symptoms of colon cancer include changes in bowel habits (such as diarrhea or constipation), blood in the stool, abdominal pain or discomfort, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.

Early detection is key in treating colon cancer, Schedule your colon cancer screening at Beta Care to ensure peace of mind and the best chance for early treatment.

If you're experiencing symptoms or have a family history of colon cancer, don't wait, Contact Beta Care for a consultation with our expert oncologists and begin your treatment journey today.

At Beta Care, we provide advanced, personalized treatments for colon cancer, Reach out now to learn about your treatment options and take the first step towards recovery with our dedicated team.

How to Contact Beta Care Center?

There are several ways to get in touch with Beta Care Center. The most important methods include visiting the Beta Care website [here] to book an appointment, or visiting the center at 53 University of Arab Nations Street, Mohandessin, Giza. You can also contact the center by calling 015 55 932 832 or sending an email to info@betacarecenter.com.