We have two different staging systems used for classifying colon cancer. TNM system (using Roman numerals), or system of Dukes' (using the characters A through D) consists of four phases and the latest system includes five stages. This creates confusion in the field of medicine, because both phases are used to diagnose cases of colon cancer, and type of treatment depends on the stage. Early diagnosis of the disease can not be stressed enough doctors around the world. Earlier detection, the prognosis is better, regardless of which system is used.Cancer occurs when cells begin to change and grow abnormally. Growth of cells in the body begins to destroy other cells, tissues and organs have been robbed of oxygen and nutrients. Without oxygen and nutrients, these parts of the body can not survive.
Stage 0
Colon cancer can be classified as stage 0 if the cancer is still the same place where it started. It has not spread worldwide. Affects only the innermost layer of the wall of the colon. This is the first stage of colon cancer and can be detected by regular checkups and immediate actions on the symptoms and signs in place. There is no Stage 0 in the TNM system.
Stage I
colon cancer stage I, cancer affects only the superficial layers of the inner colon wall but has spread to deeper layers of the colon cancer stage 0. The prognosis at this stage of colon cancer is highest with 90% or greater chance of survival at five years. To catch the cancer at this stage, you must be in harmony with your body, notice any changes immediately, and schedule an annual review with your doctor to look for signs. Signs and symptoms may take up to 14 weeks to appear. These are the same as the Dukes class.
Phase II
At this stage of colon cancer, the cancer has spread to the superficial layers of the colon wall and now involved the muscular layer as well. The forecast at this stage is still quite good and the cancer can usually be treated surgically to remove the infected colon. Early diagnosis is extremely important at this stage as well. This step is the same class B of the Dukes'.
Stage III
The third stage of the cancer has spread through the colon wall and now affects nearby lymph nodes and / or organs. The forecast is higher for patients with three or fewer lymph nodes infected. This is one of the last stages of this cancer. This step is the same as the Dukes' C class.
Stage IV
At this stage, this cancer is the most advanced. At this stage, the cancer usually has spread to other parts of the body. The most common are liver and lungs. The forecast at this stage is the smallest, but every patient is different and so is each case of cancer. Studies have shown that patients with less than three liver masses is a better forecast than others. This phase corresponds to the category D Dukes'.
Stage 0
Colon cancer can be classified as stage 0 if the cancer is still the same place where it started. It has not spread worldwide. Affects only the innermost layer of the wall of the colon. This is the first stage of colon cancer and can be detected by regular checkups and immediate actions on the symptoms and signs in place. There is no Stage 0 in the TNM system.
Stage I
colon cancer stage I, cancer affects only the superficial layers of the inner colon wall but has spread to deeper layers of the colon cancer stage 0. The prognosis at this stage of colon cancer is highest with 90% or greater chance of survival at five years. To catch the cancer at this stage, you must be in harmony with your body, notice any changes immediately, and schedule an annual review with your doctor to look for signs. Signs and symptoms may take up to 14 weeks to appear. These are the same as the Dukes class.
Phase II
At this stage of colon cancer, the cancer has spread to the superficial layers of the colon wall and now involved the muscular layer as well. The forecast at this stage is still quite good and the cancer can usually be treated surgically to remove the infected colon. Early diagnosis is extremely important at this stage as well. This step is the same class B of the Dukes'.
Stage III
The third stage of the cancer has spread through the colon wall and now affects nearby lymph nodes and / or organs. The forecast is higher for patients with three or fewer lymph nodes infected. This is one of the last stages of this cancer. This step is the same as the Dukes' C class.
Stage IV
At this stage, this cancer is the most advanced. At this stage, the cancer usually has spread to other parts of the body. The most common are liver and lungs. The forecast at this stage is the smallest, but every patient is different and so is each case of cancer. Studies have shown that patients with less than three liver masses is a better forecast than others. This phase corresponds to the category D Dukes'.
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