stage IIIB

Definition of stage IIIB colorectal cancer

stage IIIB colorectal cancer

(... KOH-loh-REK-tul KAN-ser)
Stage III colorectal cancer is divided into stages IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC. In stage IIIB, (1) cancer has spread through the muscle layer of the colon and/or rectum wall to the serosa (outermost layer) of the colon and/or rectum wall or has spread through the serosa to the tissue that lines the organs in the abdomen (visceral peritoneum). Cancer has spread to one to three nearby lymph nodes or cancer cells have formed in tissue near the lymph nodes; or (2) cancer has spread to the muscle layer or to the serosa of the colon and/or rectum wall. Cancer has spread to four to six nearby lymph nodes; or (3) cancer has spread through the mucosa (innermost layer) of the colon and/or rectum wall to the submucosa (layer of tissue next to the mucosa) or to the muscle layer of the colon and/or rectum wall. Cancer has spread to seven or more nearby lymph nodes.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms