The stage of a cancer refers to the extent to which it has spread.
Stage 0 or carcinoma in situ: Very early cancer that is found only in the top layer of anal
tissue.
Stage I: The cancer has spread beyond the top layer of anal tissue but has not yet reached the muscle tissue of the sphincter. The tumor is smaller than 2 centimeters in diameter.
Stage II: The cancer has spread beyond the top layer of anal tissue and is larger than 2 centimeters in diameter. The cancer has not spread to nearby organs or lymph nodes.
Stage IIIA: The cancer has spread to nearby organs, such as the bladder or vagina, and lymph nodes around the rectum are affected.
IIIB: The cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the middle of the abdomen or in the groin, or to nearby organs and lymph nodes around the rectum.
Stage IV: The cancer affects lymph nodes within the abdomen or distant organs.
Recurrent: The cancer has come back after it has been treated. Recurrent cancer may occur in the anus or in another part of the body.
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