There are actually two different staging systems used to classify colon cancer. The TNM system (using Roman numerals) or the Dukes system (using letters A through D) includes four stages and a newer system includes five stages. This is causing confusion in the medical world because both stages are currently in use to diagnose colon cancer cases, and the type of treatment is determined by the stage. Early detection of the disease cannot be stressed enough by physicians everywhere. The earlier the detection, the better the prognosis will be, regardless of which system is used.Cancer occurs when cells transform and begin to grow abnormally. The growth of the cells begins to wreak havoc on the body as other cells, tissues, and organs are robbed of needed oxygen and nutrients. Without oxygen and nutrients, these parts of the body cannot survive.
Stage 0
Colon cancer can be classified as Stage 0 if the cancer is still in the same place where it started. It has not spread at all. It is only affecting the innermost layer of the colon wall. This is the earliest stage of colon cancer and can be detected through regular exams and immediate actions upon prevailing symptoms and signs. There is no Stage 0 in the TNM system.
Stage I
In Stage I colon cancer, cancer is only affecting the superficial layers of the internal colon wall, but has spread to deeper layers than Stage 0 colon cancer. The prognosis for this stage of colon cancer is the highest with a 90% or greater chance for a five-year survival rate. To catch the cancer in this stage, you have to be in tune with your body, notice any changes immediately, and schedule a regular exam with your physician to look for the signs. Signs and symptoms sometimes take up to 14 weeks to show up. This is the same as the Dukes A category.
Stage II
At this stage of colon cancer, the cancer has spread from the superficial layers of the colon wall and has now affected the muscular layer as well. Prognosis for this stage is still fairly good and the cancer can usually be treated with surgery to remove the infected area of the colon. Early detection is also very important in this stage as well. This stage is the same as the Dukes B category.
Stage III
Stage III of this cancer has now spread through the wall of the colon and is now affecting nearby lymph nodes and/or organs. The prognosis is higher for patients who have three or fewer infected lymph nodes. This is one of the final stages of this cancer. This stage is the same as the Dukes C category.
Stage IV
This stage of this cancer is the most advanced. In this stage, the cancer has usually spread to other areas of the body. The most common areas include the liver and the lungs. Prognosis for this stage is the lowest; however, each patient is different and so is each cancer case. Studies have shown that patients with less than three liver masses have a better prognosis than others. This stage is equivalent to the Dukes D category.
Source by ezinearticles.com
Stage 0
Colon cancer can be classified as Stage 0 if the cancer is still in the same place where it started. It has not spread at all. It is only affecting the innermost layer of the colon wall. This is the earliest stage of colon cancer and can be detected through regular exams and immediate actions upon prevailing symptoms and signs. There is no Stage 0 in the TNM system.
Stage I
In Stage I colon cancer, cancer is only affecting the superficial layers of the internal colon wall, but has spread to deeper layers than Stage 0 colon cancer. The prognosis for this stage of colon cancer is the highest with a 90% or greater chance for a five-year survival rate. To catch the cancer in this stage, you have to be in tune with your body, notice any changes immediately, and schedule a regular exam with your physician to look for the signs. Signs and symptoms sometimes take up to 14 weeks to show up. This is the same as the Dukes A category.
Stage II
At this stage of colon cancer, the cancer has spread from the superficial layers of the colon wall and has now affected the muscular layer as well. Prognosis for this stage is still fairly good and the cancer can usually be treated with surgery to remove the infected area of the colon. Early detection is also very important in this stage as well. This stage is the same as the Dukes B category.
Stage III
Stage III of this cancer has now spread through the wall of the colon and is now affecting nearby lymph nodes and/or organs. The prognosis is higher for patients who have three or fewer infected lymph nodes. This is one of the final stages of this cancer. This stage is the same as the Dukes C category.
Stage IV
This stage of this cancer is the most advanced. In this stage, the cancer has usually spread to other areas of the body. The most common areas include the liver and the lungs. Prognosis for this stage is the lowest; however, each patient is different and so is each cancer case. Studies have shown that patients with less than three liver masses have a better prognosis than others. This stage is equivalent to the Dukes D category.
Source by ezinearticles.com
1 comments:
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