The earliest stage of colorectal cancers is called stage 0 (a very early cancer), and then range from stages I (1) through IV (4). As a rule, the lower the number, the less the cancer has spread.

Rectal cancer is typically classified in five stages, but there is no stage 5 rectal cancer. The stages are 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4. Higher numbers mean more-advanced cancer. Earlier stages often mean the cancer is …

In stage I rectal cancer, cancer has formed in the mucosa (innermost layer) of the rectum wall and has spread to the submucosa (layer of tissue next to the mucosa) or to the muscle layer of the rectum …

Oct 30, 2025 · Staging of rectal cancer uses the TNM staging system and strongly predicts the success, and rate, of local recurrence following rectal cancer resection. MRI is the modality of choice for the …

Nov 27, 2025 · This article is an overview of the staging and treatment options for rectal cancer.

Sep 1, 2021 · MRI is the most accurate tool for the local staging of rectal cancer and is a powerful tool to select the appropriate treatment. The decision whether a patient with rectal cancer is a candidate for …

Stage I rectal cancer means that the tumor has spread past the mucosa to the next layer, the submucosa. It may have spread to the rectum wall’s muscle layer, but no further.

Learn more about how we diagnose and stage rectal cancer at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Oct 28, 2025 · Colorectal cancer is diagnosed as either stage 0, stage I, stage II, stage III, or stage IV. The higher the number, the more the cancer has spread. Cancer can spread to other areas in the …

There are two phases for cancer staging: a clinical stage and a pathological stage. Many colorectal cancers are found during colonoscopy, where a biopsy is taken and sent to pathology for review.