Doctors describe colon cancer and rectal cancer by the following stages:

1. Stages of Colon Cancer and Rectal
Doctors describe colon cancer and rectal cancer by the following stages:
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Stage 0: The cancer is found only in the innermost lining of the colon or rectum. Carcinoma in
situ is another name for Stage 0 colorectal cancer.
Stage I: The tumor has grown into the inner wall of the colon or rectum. The tumor has not
grown through the wall.
Stage II: The tumor extends more deeply into or through the wall of the colon or rectum. It may
have invaded nearby tissue, but cancer cells have not spread to the lymph nodes.
Stage III: The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, but not to other parts of the body.
Stage IV: The cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs.
Recurrence: This is cancer that has been treated and has returned after a period of time when
the cancer could not be detected. The disease may return in the colon or rectum, or in another
part of the body.
Treatment
Many people with colorectal cancer want to take an active part in making decisions about their
medical care. It is natural to want to learn all you can about your disease and treatment choices.
However, shock and stress after the diagnosis can make it hard to think of everything you want
to ask your doctor. It often helps to make a list of questions before an appointment.
To help remember what your doctor says, you may take notes or ask whether you may use a tape
recorder. You may also want to have a family member or friend with you when you talk to your
doctor -- to take part in the discussion, to take notes, or just to listen.
You do not need to ask all your questions at once. You will have other chances to ask your
doctor or nurse to explain things that are not clear and to ask for more details.
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who has experience treating colorectal cancer, or you
may ask for a referral. Specialists who treat colorectal cancer include gastroenterologists
(doctors who specialize in diseases of the digestive system), surgeons, medical oncologists, and
radiation oncologists. You may have a team of doctors.
Vimacel™ is part of an Integrative Medicine approach to treating people naturally. Integrative
Medicine combines alternative medicine with evidence based medicine.