Prognostic Significance of Lymphovascular and Perivascular Invasion in Colon Cancer

Aim: Researches carried out to predict the prognosis of colorectal cancers are still popular. In recent years, the significance of independent prognostic factors such as lymph node metastasis, perineural invasion and lymphovascular invasion and other potential prognostic factors is better understood. In our study we searched the relationship between these factors and their significance. Material and Method: A total of 89 patients were included in this study. There were 32 (% 36) females and 57 (% 64) males. Hematoxylin & Eosine stained slides prepared from tissues obtained from these patients were re- evaluted by two pathologists. Results: Lymphocytic reaction was observed in 26 (29.2 %) patients, perineural invasion in 30 (33.7 %) patients and lymphovascular invasion in 59 (66.3 %) patients. The relationship between LNM and LVI was found statistically significant (P< 0,005). A statistically significant relationship was also found between PNI and LNM. (p: 0,015) Discussion: Lymph node status is the most important prognostic factor in determining the treatment method for colorectal cancer. Establishing LVI and PNI can help predicting prognosis and also the potential of LNM. Thus, assessing these parameters in kolonoscopic biopsies performed prior to radical surgical treatment, may be useful in planning the extensiveness of lymph node dissection.