Rectal cancer is typically staged using the TNM system, which stands for tumor, lymph nodes, and metastasis. The stages of rectal cancer are as follows:

Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ): Cancer cells are only in the rectum’s innermost lining.

Stage I: Cancer has penetrated the rectum’s inner layers but hasn’t spread to lymph nodes or distant sites.

Stage II: Divided into IIA (cancer has spread through the muscle layer of the rectum) and IIB (cancer has spread to the rectum’s outermost layer) but hasn’t reached nearby lymph nodes or distant organs.

Stage III: Cancer has invaded one or more lymph nodes near the rectum. It may be subdivided based on the extent of lymph node involvement and whether cancer has penetrated the rectum’s walls.

Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant organs, most commonly the liver or lungs. This stage is also subdivided based on the extent of the spread.

Staging for rectal cancer are as follows:

Treatment options for rectal cancer:

Chemotherapy: This treatment employs drugs to eliminate or halt the growth of cancer cells. It can be administered before or after surgery to remove any remaining cancer cells or to reduce the risk of the cancer returning.

Radiotherapy for Rectal Cancer: This method uses high-energy radiation beams to destroy cancer cells in the rectum. It’s commonly used in combination with surgery and chemotherapy to improve outcomes.

Surgery: Surgery is usually the most effective treatment for rectal cancer. It involves removing the tumour and nearby lymph nodes. The extent of the surgery required depends on the cancer’s stage and location. It is usually performed after chemoradiotherapy.