Prognostic Value of Lymphovascular and Perineural Invasion in Colon Cancer

OpenAlex İngilizce

Aim: Colon cancer is one of the most common types of malignant tumours in the world. Colon cancer ranks fourth among cancer-related deaths. Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is the tumour involvement of small lymphatic or blood (typically venous) vessels while perineural invasion (PNI) is the growth of the tumour in, around, and along the nerves and nerve sheaths. In our study, we investigated the effects of LVI and PNI on prognosis, tumour stages, and lymph node metastasis in colon cancer patients. Methods; The data of patients, who underwent colon cancer surgery in our clinic in the period between February 2013 and January 2020, were analyzed retrospectively. The surgery and pathology reports, demographic characteristics, and overall survival of the patients were examined. Results: A total of 248 patients were operated due to colon cancer. LVI and PNI were present in 120 (48.3%) and 105 (41.9%) patients, respectively. The relationship of the grade, of the presence of positive lymph nodes, LVI, and PNI, and of the T-and N-stages with the survival were statistically significant with the following p-values of 0.028, <0.001, <0.001, <0.001, 0.005, and <0.001, respectively. When the relationship of LVI and PNI with other factors was examined, it was shown that there was a statistically significant relationship in both groups in terms of T and N stage, metastatic lymph node and survival time. (p <0.001) Conclusion: Because the presence of LVI and PNI is a determinant of prognosis and lymph node metastasis especially in early-stage patients; we think that close follow-up of patients with LVI and PNI and the evaluation of such patients by a multidisciplinary council for the administration of adjuvant therapy, may affect prognosis favourably.