Expert Colon Cancer Staging in Southern California

Oncologists at Dignity Health Southern California hospitals stage colon cancer to find out the extent of the cancer in the body. If a diagnosis reveals colon cancer, your doctor will use results from imaging exams, biopsies, and physical exams to identify which phase the cancer is. 

Find a Doctor today to learn how our highly experienced oncologists determine treatment from colon cancer staging in Long Beach, Northridge, Downtown LA, Glendale, and San Bernardino.

Treatment for Stages of Colon Cancer at Dignity Health Southern California

Each of the five stages of colon cancer describe the extent, or aggressiveness, of the tumor. The extensiveness of colon cancer ranges from zero to five, with zero being the earliest stage and five being the latest, most advanced stage. We know that effective, personalized colon cancer treatment begins with accurate colon cancer staging.  

Stage 0

Stage 0 colon cancer is still confined to the innermost lining of the colon. The cancer has not spread to nearby lymph nodes. Surgery usually cures the cancer, or your doctor may be able to remove stage zero colon cancer during a colonoscopy. 

Stage I

Treatment for stage I cancer is usually successful, as the tumor has grown deeper into the colon’s lining, but not beyond the colon or into nearby lymph nodes. Your doctor may perform surgery to remove the cancer or part of the colon.

Stage II

In this stage, colon cancer may have spread to outside layers of the colon or nearby tissues or organs. Sometimes the cancer is still within the colon wall. You may need colon surgery and chemotherapy.

Stage III

Stage III colon cancer has reached nearby lymph nodes and tissues, but has not spread to distant organs. If surgery isn’t an option for you, then your doctor will recommend chemotherapy with radiation treatment.

Stage IV

Stage IV colon cancer indicates the cancer has spread beyond the colon to other organs, such as the liver. Surgery to remove the cancer, targeted cancer therapy, and clinical trial drugs are options for stage 0 or recurrent colon cancer. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can prevent complications and help you live longer.

No matter the stage or diagnosis, our doctors’ goal is healing and humankindness. We take the time to explain your diagnosis and how the stage will guide your treatment. Your doctor will also use colon cancer staging for determining a checkup schedule and follow-up care.

Dignity Health has the expertise and state-of-the-art technology for colon cancer staging in Southern California.