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stage IV colorectal cancer

(...KOH-loh-REK-tul KAN-ser)
Stage IV colorectal cancer is divided into stages IVA, IVB, and IVC. In stage IVA, cancer has spread to one area or organ that is not near the colon and/or rectum, such as the liver, lung, ovary, or a distant lymph node. In stage IVB, cancer has spread to more than one area or organ that is not near the colon and/or rectum, such as the liver, lung, ovary, or a distant lymph node. In stage IVC, cancer has spread to the tissue that lines the wall of the abdomen and may have spread to other areas or organs.
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Stage IV colon cancer; drawing shows other parts of the body where colon cancer may spread, including the distant lymph nodes, lung, liver, and abdominal wall. An inset shows cancer cells spreading from the colon, through the blood and lymph system, to another part of the body where metastatic cancer has formed.Enlarge this image in new window
Stage IV colon cancer. Cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lung, liver, abdominal wall, ovary (in females), or distant lymph nodes.
Stage IV rectal cancer; drawing shows other parts of the body where rectal cancer may spread, including the distant lymph nodes, lung, liver, abdominal wall, and prostate. An inset shows cancer cells spreading from the rectum, through the blood and lymph system, to another part of the body where metastatic cancer has formed.Enlarge this image in new window
Stage IV rectal cancer. Cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lung, liver, abdominal wall, prostate, or distant lymph nodes.
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