Stage 3 Colon Cancer

Every cancer is divided into four or more stages. Staging is based on spread of cancer and it therefore helps plan the correct treatment to control the growth of the cancer. Like other cancers, colon cancer is also quite common these days. It is also recognized as colorectal cancer. Various tests like CT scan, biopsy, MRI, blood test, X-ray, etc. help diagnose the cancer.

Stages of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer can spread to nearby lymph nodes and nearby tissues, as the cancer cells start invading the nearby cells. The cancer can thus spread to even distant parts of the body through tissues or lymph vessels or through the blood as it starts attacking veins and capillaries. Spreading of cancer to other parts of the body is termed as 'metastasis'. Due to metastasis, the number of tumors, size of tumors and the number of sites where tumors are present increases considerably.

Detection of some abnormal cells in the innermost layer of colon wall (mucosa ) is called carcinoma in situ (colon cancer stage zero). The abnormal cells are likely to develop as cancerous cells. So, the patient has to watch for development of abnormalities. In stage 1, cancer (malignant tumor) is detected in the colon mucosa. The cancer may have spread to the layers under mucosa (submucosa). You should know what are the early signs of colon cancer; as prompt treatment during the early stages helps prevent the growth of the cancer and helps increase the life expectancy of the patient. The second stage of colon cancer is divided again into three stages 2A, 2B and 2C. If cancer has spread to the outermost layer (serosa) of the colon wall, it is classified as stage 2A. Stage 2B indicates spread of cancer through the outer wall of colon but the cancer is still confined to the colon only. Stage 2C suggests spread of cancer from colon to nearby organs.

The third stage of colon cancer is again divided into 3 stages and the fourth stage into 2 stages. Stage 4 is the most advanced stage of this cancer. If the cancer has spread to the nearby lymph nodes and nearby organs like liver, lung or ovary or to a distant lymph nodes, then it is known as stage 4A. If the cancer has spread into the lining of the abdominal wall or to more than one distant organ, then it is referred to as stage 4B.

Stage 3 Colon Cancer

The third stage of the cancer in colon is subdivided into 3A, 3B and 3C. Experts describe the stage as stage 3A when the cancer spreads from the mucosa to the sub-mucosa (layer under mucosa) and even to the muscular layer of the colon wall. Here, if doctors detect cancer in at least one but not more than 3 nearby lymph nodes or if the cancerous cells form cancerous tissue near the lymph nodes, then the condition is labeled as stage 3 A. If the cancer spreads from mucosa to the sub mucosa and if the cancer attacks at least 4 but not more than 6 nearby lymph nodes, then also the stage is described as 3A.

When the cancerous cells spread from the mucosa to the serosa and further spread into the serosa layer without invading nearby organs, it is termed as stage 3B. The cancer may spread to the nearby lymph nodes (not more than 3) or may form a cancerous tissue near the lymph nodes. If the cancer spreads from the innermost to the outermost layer of the colon and to at least 4 but not more than 6 nearby lymph nodes, then also it is termed as stage 3B. Or if the cancer spreads from the mucosa to sub-mucosa and to the muscular layer of the colon and it has invaded 7 or more nearby lymph nodes, then the condition is termed as 'stage 3B colon cancer'.

If the cancer has spread through the serosa and to at least 4 but not more than 6 nearby lymph nodes or to 7 or more nearby lymph nodes without invading the nearby organs, it is described as stage 3C. In case the cancer has spread through the serosa and to one or more lymph nodes or has formed cancerous tissue near the lymph nodes and if it has invaded nearby organs, then also the stage is referred to as 3C.

Prognosis

If the cancer is detected in the earlier stages, doctors can control the growth of the cancer. The five-year survival rate for those diagnosed in the first stage colon cancer is 93 percent. Stage 3 colon cancer treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical removal of cancer, pain killers, etc. If it is not possible to connect the two cut-ends of the colon, then, a stoma is made on the outer side of the abdomen, to which a bag can be connected to collect the waste material. Colon cancer prognosis depends upon the age, gender, lifestyle, diet, overall health of the patient, at what stage the cancer is diagnosed, how much colon is damaged, how promptly it is treated, use of latest treatment options and patient's response to the treatment, etc.

• The five-year survival rate for stage 3 is between 44-83 percent, depending upon various factors described above.
• The 5-year survival rate for stage 3A: 83%
• The 5-year survival rate for stage 3B: 64%
• The 5-year survival rate for stage 3C: 44%

Besides prompt treatment and medications, patients of colon cancer require family support. One should not lose hope. With strong mind and with love and affection from the family and friends, one can fight cancer easily.