Stages

It is important to know the stage of a cancer in order to plan treatment.

STAGES OF ESOPHAGEAL CANCER

Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ)

In stage 0, cancer is found only in the innermost layer of cells lining the esophagus. Stage 0 is also called carcinoma in situ.

Stage I

In stage I, cancer has spread beyond the innermost layer of cells to the next layer of tissue in the wall of the esophagus.

Stage II

Stage II esophageal cancer is divided into stage IIA and stage IIB, depending on where the cancer has spread.

• Stage IIA: Cancer has spread to the layer of esophageal muscle or to the outer wall of the esophagus.
• Stage IIB: Cancer may have spread to any of the first three layers of the esophagus and to nearby lymph nodes.

Stage III

In stage III, cancer has spread to the outer wall of the esophagus and may have spread to tissues or lymph nodes near the esophagus.

Stage IV

Stage IV esophageal cancer is divided into stage IVA and stage IVB, depending on where the cancer has spread.

• Stage IVA: Cancer has spread to nearby or distant lymph nodes.
• Stage IVB: Cancer has spread to distant lymph nodes and/or organs in other parts of the body.

Reference:

National Cancer Institute, USA.