Characteristics and risk factors of lymph node metastasis in colorectal neuroendocrine neoplasm

Abstract

Objective To investigate the features and risk factors associated with lymph node metastasis in colorectal neuroendocrine neoplasm. Methods Clinical and pathological data of 99 patients with colorectal neuroendocrine neoplasm treated between January 2009 to January 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. Comparisons of categorical data and univariate analysis of risk factors of lymph node metastasis were conducted. Results Of the 99 patients, the rate of regional lymph node metastasis was 30.3% (30/99) with 56.7% limited to para-intestinal lymph nodes in 17 cases, 26.7% limited to mesenteric lymph nodes in 8 cases, and 16.7% limited to mesenteric root central lymph nodes in 5 cases. No metastasis exceeding central lymph nodes was observed. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that tumor size, invasion of lymphatic vessel and pathological grading were independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis in colorectal neuroendocrine neoplasm (P<0.05). Conclusions Colorectal neuroendocrine neoplasm with larger tumor size, invasion of lymphatic vessel or higher grade (G2, G3) has high risk of regional lymph node metastasis. Key words: Colorectal neoplasms; Carcinoma, neuroendocrine; Lymphatic metastasis