CRC staging
| Standard Treatment for CRC Based on Stage | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stage | Description | Treatment |
| Stage 0 | Carcinoma in situ | Surgery for removal (if margins on polyp not clear) |
| Stage I | Low grade, no nodal involvement | Surgery (as above) |
| Stage II | High grade, no nodal involvement | Surgery (as above) |
| Stage III | Any grade, invasion of lymph nodes | Surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy |
| Stage IV | Metastatic | Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation |
The CRC stage is determined at the time of diagnosis and involves the tumor characteristics (T), regional or distant lymph node involvement (N), and metastasis (M). Any metastatic tumor is automatically stage IV regardless of the T and N scoring. Treatment becomes more aggressive as the stage increases and may include other therapies beyond the traditional surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. (Adapted from the PDQ Adult Treatment Editorial Board colon cancer treatment guidelines.15)