Definition

Stage II colorectal cancer is divided into stages IIA, IIB, and IIC. In stage IIA, 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. In stage IIB, cancer has spread through the serosa of the colon and/or rectum wall to the tissue that lines the organs in the abdomen (visceral peritoneum). In stage IIC, cancer has spread through the serosa of the colon and/or rectum wall to nearby organs.