Colorectal Cancer

colorectal cancer (KOH-loh-REK-tul KAN-ser) Cancer that develops in the colon (large intestine) and/or the rectum (the last several inches of the large intestine before the anus).

colorectal (ko-lo-REK-tul) Having to do with the colon or the rectum.

colon (KO-lun) The longest part of the large intestine, which is a tube-like organ connected to the small intestine at one end and the anus at the other. The colon removes water and some nutrients and electrolytes from partially digested food. The remaining material, solid waste called stool, moves through the colon to the rectum and leaves the body through the anus.

rectal By or having to do with the rectum. The rectum is the last several inches of the large intestine and ends at the anus.

stage 0 colorectal cancer Cancer is found in the innermost lining of the colon and/or rectum only. Also called carcinoma in situ.

stage I colorectal cancer Cancer has spread beyond the innermost lining of the colon and/or rectum to the second and third layers and involves the inside wall of the colon and/or rectum, but it has not spread to the outer wall or outside the colon and/or rectum. Also called Dukes’ A colorectal cancer.

stage II colorectal cancer Cancer has spread outside the colon and/or rectum to nearby tissue, but it has not gone into the lymph nodes. Also called Dukes’ B colorectal cancer.

stage III colorectal cancer Tumor cells have spread to organs and lymph nodes near the colon/rectum. Also called Dukes C colorectal cancer.

stage IV colorectal cancer Cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes and has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs. Also called Dukes’ D colorectal cancer.

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