Stage 3
Stage 3 colon cancer is further grouped into stages 3A, 3B, 3C.
Stage 3A
In this stage, the tumor has grown through the muscular layers of the colon and can be seen at lymph nodes close to the colon. It has not spread to nodes or organs far away.
Stage 3B
The tumor has spread through the outermost layers of the colon and is in the visceral peritoneum. In some cases, it penetrates other organs and structures and can be seen in 1 to 3 lymph nodes.
Stage 3C
The tumor has grown beyond the muscular layers and can be seen in 4 or 5 lymph nodes, not far from the colon.