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Written by Administrator
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Wednesday, 07 December 2005 |
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The stage of a cancer is a term used to describe its size and whether it has spread beyond its original site. Knowing the particular type and the stage of the cancer helps the doctors to decide on the most appropriate treatment. Cancer can spread in the body, either in the bloodstream or through the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the body's defence against infection and disease. The system is made up of a network of lymph glands (also known as lymph nodes) that are linked by fine ducts containing lymph fluid. Your doctors will usually check the nearby lymph nodes when staging your cancer. Stage 1
The cancer only affects the anus and is smaller than 2cm in size. It has not begun to spread into the sphincter muscle. Stage 2
The cancer is bigger than 2cm in size but has not spread into nearby lymph nodes or to other parts of the body. Stage 3A
The cancer has spread to the lymph nodes close to the rectum, or to nearby organs such as the bladder or vagina. Stage 3B
The cancer has either spread to the lymph nodes in the groin and pelvis, or to the lymph nodes close to the anus as well as nearby organs, such as the bladder or vagina. Stage 4
The cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the abdomen or to other parts of the body, such as the liver. If the cancer comes back after initial treatment, this is known as recurrent cancer.
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