gastrointestinal disorders
Colorectal Cancer
Prognosis for Colorectal Cancer
Prognosis depends greatly on stage (see table). The 5-year survival rate for cancer limited to the mucosa approaches 90%; with extension through the bowel wall, 70 to 80%; with positive lymph nodes, 30 to 50%; and with metastatic disease,<20%. Stage Stage Tumor (Maximum Penetration) Tumor (Maximum Penetration) Regional Lymph Node Metastasis Regional Lymph Node Metastasis Distant Metastasis Distant Metastasis 0 Tis N0 M0 I T1 or T2 N0 M0 II T3-T4 N0 M0 III Any T N1-N2 M0 IV Any T Any N M1 * TNM classification: Tis=carcinoma in situ; T1=submucosa; T2=muscularis propria; T3=penetrates all layers (for rectal cancer, includes perirectal tissue); T4=adjacent organs or peritoneum. N0=none; N1=1–3 regional nodes or any number of tumor deposits without nodal involvement; N2=≥4 regional nodes. M0=none; M1=present. 