Recent studies have shown a 7–15% lymph node (LN) metastasis rate in submucosal invasive colorectal cancer (SICC). Identifying risk factors for LN metastasis is crucial in selecting therapeutic modalities for SICC. We assessed the possibility of and the risk factors for LN metastasis in SICC.

We performed a retrospective study on 168 SICC patients who underwent curative resection between June 1989 and December 2004 at Asan Medical Center. The level of submucosal invasion was classified into upper third (sm1), middle third (sm2), and lower third (sm3). The following carcinoma-related variables were assessed: tumor size, tumor location, depth of submucosal invasion, cell differentiation, lymphovascular invasion, neural invasion, and tumor cell dissociation (TCD).

The depth of submucosal invasion, cell differentiation, and tumor cell dissociation were significant pathologic predictors of LN metastasis in SICC. Because SICC is associated with a considerable risk of LN metastasis, local excision may be performed carefully in SICC without adverse features.

Thanks and Regards,
Michelle
Managing Editor
Colorectal Cancer: Open Access
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