Cancer of the upper rectum. all organs seem clear. there are some early lymph nodes beside the lesion - around the stomach cavity.what does this mean?

Staging.: When a rectal or colon lesion is evaluated for risk, we look at staging. This is determined by the size and extent of the primary tumor, whether lymph nodes are involved, and whether there are more distant metastases. The higher the stage, the greater the risk. Rectal tumors often are treated with chemotherapy and radiation before surgery if advanced. Positive nodes is stage 3.