Intramural Metastasis Research Articles

Exacerbated prognostic impact of multiple intramural metastasis versus single intramural metastasis of thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: evidence from an Uzbekistan cohort.

Intramural metastasis (IM) is a poor prognostic factor for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We conducted this study to assess the prognostic impact of IM in an Uzbekistan cohort and to identify the factors associated with the poor prognosis of patients with ESCC and IM. The subjects of this retrospective analysis were 1083 patients with thoracic ESCC, who underwent curative esophagectomy between 2001 and 2021 at the National Cancer Center of Uzbekistan. We compared the clinicopathological characteristics and survival outcomes of patients with versus those without IM and evaluated the factors associated with the poor prognosis of patients with IM. Patients with pathological IM (n = 59, 5.4%) were significantly older, had a higher percentage of lymphatic invasion and worse pathological N stage, and had shorter overall survival (OS) than patients without IM. Multivariable analysis of OS identified multiple IMs as the only independent prognostic factor in patients with IM (hazard ratio, 6.04; 95% confidence interval, 2.77-13.18; P < 0.001). Patients with multiple IMs had shorter OS and recurrence-free survival than those with a single IM. IM was a poor prognostic factor for patients with ESCC in this Uzbekistan cohort and multiple IMs were associated with worse outcomes.

A rare case of esophageal metastasis from signet-ring cell carcinoma of the cecum

BackgroundMetastatic esophageal cancer is rare. Its common primary lesions include lung cancer and breast cancer. Metastatic esophageal cancer originating from colorectal cancer is rarer.Case presentationA 79-year-old woman visited our hospital because of lower abdominal discomfort. She was endoscopically diagnosed with type 0–IIa + IIc cancer of the cecum, and biopsy of the lesion showed signet-ring cell carcinoma. With a preoperative clinical staging of cStage I (cT2, cN0, cM0), the patient underwent laparoscopic ileocecal resection with D3 lymphadenectomy. Histopathological examination of the resected specimens revealed signet-ring cell carcinoma [type 4, pT4a, pN3 (No. 203), M0, pRM1, stage IIIc, R1]. Despite radial margin positivity, the patient refused resection of the residual tumor and received oral tegafur and uracil. KRAS mutation test showed KRAS wild-type colon cancer, but she refused anti-epidermal growth factor receptor therapy. One year after surgery, her blood carcinoembryonic antigen concentration elevated. Colonoscopy showed anastomotic recurrence and biopsy of the lesion showed signet-ring cell carcinoma. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed multiple longitudinal submucosal tumors with erosions on their surfaces in the esophagus. Tumor biopsy revealed signet-ring cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry showed that the histological type of the esophageal tumors was the same as that of the primary colon cancer. Based on these findings, the esophageal tumors were diagnosed with metastasis from signet-ring cell carcinoma of the cecum. The oral chemotherapy was replaced with FOLFOX plus bevacizumab. However, the patient’s condition required treatment discontinuation, and she died of cancer progression 1 year and 5 months after surgery.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first case report on metastatic esophageal cancer from signet-ring cell carcinoma of the cecum. Esophagoscopy showed multiple longitudinal submucosal tumors, which is similar to an endoscopic finding of intramural metastasis from primary esophageal cancer. We consider that the multiple longitudinal submucosal tumors are a notable feature of our case. When metastatic esophageal cancer is suspected, clinicians, endoscopists, and pathologists should consider signet-ring cell carcinoma of the colon as one of potential primary lesions. This consideration could lead the specialists to appropriate examinations and treatments, thereby improving clinical outcomes in patients with the metastasis.

Combined treatment with surgery and immune checkpoint inhibitor extended survival in a case of gastric intramural metastasis from esophageal cancer: a case report

BackgroundIntramural metastasis (IM) of esophageal cancer is classified as distant metastasis according to the Japanese Classification of Esophageal Cancer, and it is well-known to be associated with a poor prognosis. We herein report a case of perforated gastric IM of esophageal cancer that was successfully controlled with nonradical surgery and subsequent immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment.Case presentationA 72-year-old woman was referred to our department for the treatment of esophageal cancer and perforated gastric ulcer. A histological examination of the main tumor and gastric ulcer lesion revealed squamous cell carcinoma. Since the gastric wall tumor had invaded the celiac artery, complete resection was considered impossible. Chemotherapy was administered but led to severe adverse events, so palliative resection was performed. Two months after surgery, computed tomography revealed enlargement of the residual tumor around the celiac artery. However, after nivolumab monotherapy was started, the tumor diminished remarkably, and the quality of life of the patient dramatically improved. Nine months after nonradical surgery, she is surviving without any disease concern.ConclusionsWith the increased availability of ICIs, multidisciplinary treatment with surgery and ICIs can potentially lead to long-term survival, even in cases expected to have a poor prognosis.

ASO Author Reflections: Intramural Metastasis as Dismal Prognostic Factor in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

ASO Author Reflections: Intramural Metastasis as Dismal Prognostic Factor in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Clinical Significance of Intramural Metastasis as an Independent Prognostic Factor in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

BackgroundAlthough intramural metastasis (IM) in esophageal cancer is considered a poor prognostic factor, there are only limited reports detailing its clinicopathologic characteristics and prognostic impact.Patients and MethodsWe retrospectively included patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) with esophagectomy at our institution between 2010 and 2016. We compared patients with intramural metastases (IMs) (IM group) versus those without IMs (non-IM group) to clarify the clinical significance of intramural metastasis in ESCC.ResultsA total of 23 (3.9%) out of all 597 patients were identified to have IM. The IMs were located on the cranial side in 13 (56.5%) and caudal side in 10 (43.5%) of the primary tumor, with two multiple cases. The IM group, compared with the non-IM group, was associated with higher percentage of cN-positive (91.3 versus 67.9%, P = 0.02), pN-positive (82.6 versus 55.9%, P = 0.04), and pM(lym)-positive (30.4 versus 12.5%, P = 0.02) cases. Five-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) was significantly worse in the IM group than the non-IM group (14.9 versus 55.0 %, P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis of recurrence-free survival identified pT (HR 1.74, 95% CI 1.36–2.23, P < 0.001), pN (HR 2.11, 95% CI 1.60–2.78, P < 0.001), histological classification (HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.21–2.35, P = 0.002), and pM(LYM) (HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.64–2.95, P < 0.001), along with presence of IM (HR 2.24, 95% CI 1.37–3.64, P < 0.001) to be independent prognostic factors. Lymphatic (65.2 versus 24.9%, P < 0.001) and hepatic (26.1 versus 6.8%, P = 0.005) recurrences were significantly more common in the IM group than in the non-IM group.ConclusionsIM was shown to be associated with dismal survival after surgery. A treatment strategy emphasizing more intensive systemic control should be considered for patients with ESCC with IM.

ASO Visual Abstract: Intramural Metastasis as an Independent Prognostic Factor in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

ASO Visual Abstract: Intramural Metastasis as an Independent Prognostic Factor in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

A Novel Mechanism of the “Three Territory Sign” in Acute Ischemic Stroke (P14-5.014)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To present an atypical mechanism for multi-territorial infarction, the “Three Territory Sign” (TTS), in patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke and malignancy. <h3>Background:</h3> Multi-focal ischemic infarcts are often associated with cardioembolism. However, bilateral anterior circulation and posterior circulation infarcts are known as the TTS which is most commonly associated with hypercoagulable state due to malignancy Two commonly recognized mechanisms for the TTS in this setting are localized DIC and embolization of vegetations from non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis. We present a third possible mechanism for the TTS. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> NA <h3>Results:</h3> A 67-year-old woman with history of Stage IV metastatic melanoma presented to the emergency department with one-day history of fine motor dysmetria and weakness of the right hand. Brain MRI revealed extensive scattered infarcts throughout the bilateral anterior and posterior circulation. A routine stroke work-up including vessel imaging, lipid panel, A1C, TTE and TEE were unrevealing. Due to persistent eosinophilia, she then underwent cardiac MRI to assess for possible chemotherapy-induced eosinophilic myocarditis. While this was not present, her cardiac MRI revealed a left-ventricular intramural metastasis with necrotic core directly invading the ventricular surface. No other cardiac sources were discovered and the most likely source of this patient’s embolic strokes was felt to be thrombosis superimposed upon the necrotic intraventricular tumor. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Intraventricular cardiac metastasis is an uncommon mechanism of malignancy-associated TTS. Physicians should consider evaluation for cardiac metastases in patients with TTS if it will change optimal secondary stroke prevention or cancer treatment. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Figueroa has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kazmirczak has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ramezani Hashtjin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Streib has nothing to disclose.

Gastric intramural metastasis caused by needle tract seeding after preoperative fine needle aspiration for pancreatic body cancer subsequently resected by total pancreatectomy: a case report and literature review

BackgroundRecently, there has been an increase in the number of reports of needle tract seeding (NTS) of tumor cells after a biopsy as one of the adverse events related to endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). In most of the previously reported cases of NTS in pancreatic cancer, distal pancreatectomy was performed as the initial surgery, following which metachronous metastasis was discovered in the gastric wall, whose localization matched the puncture route of the EUS-FNA. We report a case of early metastasis from pancreatic cancer in the gastric wall, which was postulated to be caused by NTS. Our patient underwent a total pancreatectomy (TP), and the NTS was resected synchronously.Case presentationA 70-year-old woman with a diagnosis of pancreatic head-body-tail cancer presented to our department for surgery. Transgastric EUS-FNA and biopsy established the histological diagnosis in her case. We administered neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) to the patient and performed a TP. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examination subsequently confirmed the diagnosis of pT3N1aM1 pancreatic adenocarcinoma and its gastric metastasis, which was caused by NTS. It is postulated that the tumor cells of NTS had progressed to develop the metastatic lesion in the gastric wall during the NAC period. This was also resected during the initial surgery. The patient developed an early postoperative recurrence in the peritoneum 8 months after the surgery.ConclusionIn pancreatic head cancer cases, the puncture route is often included in the resection area of radical surgery, and NTS is seldom considered as a potential clinical problem. However, NTS can progress rapidly and may be associated with early recurrence of malignancy. Therefore, when transgastrointestinal puncture is performed for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, the treatment strategy should be established considering the potential development of NTS.

Comparison of the Clinicopathological Characteristics and Prognosis of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Intramural Metastases and Multiple Primary Carcinomas.

It is difficult to distinguish esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with intramural metastases (IM) from multiple primary oesophageal carcinoma (MPEC). Nevertheless, there are significant differences in their prognoses and treatments. Therefore, our study aims to clarify the clinicopathological and prognostic characteristics of these two entities and to provide clues for differential diagnosis. We retrospectively analyzed 6304 patients who underwent esophagectomy without neoadjuvant therapy. The clinicopathological and prognostic features of patients with IM and MPEC were evaluated. P53 and Rb1 were detected by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining using a tissue microarray. Among the 6304 patients, 127 (2.0%) had IM, and 138 (2.2%) had MPEC. Patients with IM were more likely to have an advanced pT (p < 0.001), pN (p < 0.001), more lymphovascular invasion (p < 0.001) and neural invasion (p < 0.001). Additionally, patients with IM had an extremely poor prognosis compared to those with MPEC, with 5-year overall survival (OS) rates of 18.9% and 56.9%, respectively. Meanwhile, IM was found to be an independent poor prognostic indicator for OS and DFS. In the IM group, all patients showed consistent p53 expression in both primary and IM foci. Of note, Rb1 loss was found in 3 pairs of primary foci and metastases, along with p53 nonsense mutation. Patients with IM had more risk factors and extremely worse prognosis than those with MPEC. It is essential to discriminate IM from MPEC when managing multifocal carcinomas. IHC staining of p53 and Rb1 may aid in differential diagnosis.

Molecular characteristics of multifocal esophageal squamous cell carcinomas to discriminate multicentric origin from intramural metastasis.

Multifocal esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs) can be diagnosed as of multicentric origin (MO) or intramural metastasis (IMM). We aimed here to accurately discriminate MO from IMM and explore the tumor immune microenvironment of multifocal ESCCs. Multifocal ESCCs were identified in 333 ESCC patients, and in 145 patients discrimination between MO and IMM was not possible by histopathological examination. Of the 145 patients, tissues of 14 were analyzed by whole-exome sequencing (WES) of 71 different tumor regions, and MO, IMM, and MO/IMM mixed groups were identified in three, ten, and one cases, respectively, based on the similarity of genomic architecture between or among different tumors from one patient. Further phylogenetic analyses revealed complex clonal evolution patterns in IMM cases, and tumor cells disseminated from the primary tumors to IMM tumors were independent of lymph node metastasis. The NanoString-based assay showed that immune cell infiltrates were significantly enriched, and that the immune and proliferation pathways were more activated, in large tumors than in small ones in MO but not IMM cases. Similarly, PD-L1 expression and the density of paratumoral CD8+ T cells were higher in large tumors than in small tumors in MO. Taken together, through analysis of the genomic and immune landscapes, our study has comprehensively characterized the heterogeneity and clonal relationship of multifocal ESCCs, which may be helpful in distinguishing MO from IMM, and for interpreting the immunotherapy responses for multifocal ESCC patients. © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Treatment Strategy for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma With Endoscopic Intramural Metastasis.

Purpose: Intramural metastasis (IM) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is sometimes found, and the prognosis of ESCC patients with pathologically diagnosed IM is known to be dismal. However, there are few reports on ESCC patients with clinically diagnosed IM.Methods: This study assessed 2,772 ESCC patients who underwent endoscopy for initial evaluation. Among them, 85 patients (3.1%) were diagnosed with endoscopic IM. In this study, we investigated these patients’ characteristics, survival among the groups stratified by the treatment modalities, and survival predictors.Results: Of 85 patients, 76 (89.4%) had T3 or T4 tumors, 73 (85.9%) had nodal metastases, and 36 (42.4%) had M1 diseases. Curative-intent treatment could be given to 63 patients (74.1%) with a median survival time (MST) of 15.6 months (95% CI: 10.7-20.4). As initial treatment, upfront surgery (US), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) using cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (CF), neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, and definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) were given to 17 (27.0%), 27 (42.9%), 2 (3.2%), and 17 patients (27.0%), respectively. dCRT was preferred for T4 tumors compared with US or NAC (P = 0.02). The MST of US and NAC patients was 19.3 (95% CI: 12.9-25.6) and 23.4 months (95% CI: 9.4-37.4), respectively. No significant difference was noted between US and NAC patients (P= 0.89).Conclusion: The prognosis of ESCC patients with endoscopic IM is poor even if curative-intent treatment is done. Moreover, no significant survival benefit of NAC with CF for these patients was observed when compared with US.

Progress of Intramural Metastasis of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Progress of Intramural Metastasis of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Intramural metastasis to the appendix from ascending colon cancer: a case report

BackgroundIntramural metastasis is rare in colorectal cancer, especially metastasis of ascending colon cancer to the appendix.Case presentationA 64-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for surgery for ascending colon cancer detected by medical examination. Colonoscopy identified a type-2 tumor in the ascending colon, which was diagnosed as adenocarcinoma. Abdominal computed tomography revealed focal thickening of the ascending colon and middle of the appendix and swelling of the lymph nodes around the ileocolic artery. The patient underwent laparoscopic right hemi-colectomy with D3 lymph node dissection. Histopathological findings revealed that the ascending colon cancer was moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma with lymphatic and vascular invasion (stage IIIB; pT3N2M0). Additionally, moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma was observed mainly in the submucosa and muscularis propria of the appendix, which was approximately 10 cm proximal to the ascending colon cancer. These findings indicated intramural metastasis to the appendix from the ascending colon cancer. The patient experienced recurrence with lung metastasis 2.5 years after the first surgery.ConclusionsIntramural metastasis of ascending colon cancer to the appendix is extremely rare. Because the risk of recurrence and the prognosis for intramural metastasis has not been clarified, careful follow-up is recommended.

2747 A Rare Case of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma With Intramural Gastric Metastasis

INTRODUCTION: Esophageal cancer makes up about 1% of all cancers diagnosed in the United States . Gastric metastasis from esophageal cancer is relatively rare. Four different types of metastatic mechanisms were reported: 1) via peri-gastric lymph nodes; 2) gastric intramural metastasis; 3) direct invasion of the gastric wall, and 4) intra-epithelial spread to the gastric epithelium . Here we present a case with intramural gastric metastasis in a patient with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 76-year-old Indian male with past medical history significant for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and coronary artery disease, recently started on aspirin and clopidogrel, presented with new onset fatigue and five days of black tarry stools. Hemoglobin (Hgb) on admission was 7.1 g/dL. Despite transfusion of one unit of packed red blood cells, repeat Hgb dropped to 6.6 g/dL. Emergent upper endoscopy was performed for suspected active gastrointestinal bleeding in the setting of blood thinner use. Endoscopy showed a 3 cm, non-bleeding, fungating and ulcerated mass in the middle third of the esophagus, as well as a 4-5 cm fungating, infiltrative and ulcerated gastric mass in the cardia with stigmata of recent bleeding (adherent clot) (see Figure 1). Removal of the clot revealed underlying oozing from the ulcer bed which was treated successfully with dilute epinephrine injection followed by hemostatic clip placement. Forceps biopsies of both the esophageal and cardia masses were obtained. Histopathology of both lesions revealed keratinized squamous cell carcinoma. CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis showed no evidence of other metastatic disease. Oncology consultation was scheduled to discuss potential chemotherapy, radiation, and endoscopic interventions. DISCUSSION: Esophageal cancer with intramural gastric metastasis is very rare compared to other mechanisms of tumor spread. The prognosis is very poor with the mean survival time reported to be 8.6 months . Conventional chemotherapy or radiotherapy after surgery were ineffective in improving prognosis in current report, suggesting other techniques could provide a benefit when used adjunctively or in combination with more traditional approaches.

Prognostic Significance of Intramural Metastasis in Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Prognostic Significance of Intramural Metastasis in Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Subclinical Lesions of the Primary Clinical Target Volume Margin in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Association With FDG PET/CT.

Background and Objectives: An accurate delineation of the primary clinical target volume (CTVp) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) significantly affects the outcomes of radiotherapy. However, when basing the CTVp on the primary gross tumor volume, there are no consistent guidelines for the size of the margin. We compared preoperative 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT images and large slices of resected pathological ESCC specimens for evidence and prediction of subclinical lesions. We also investigated associations between the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volumes (MTVs), and lesions to improve estimates of the CTVp.Methods:55 patients underwent FDG PET/CT before surgery, and the SUVmax and MTVs were determined. To ensure that the in situ distances between the primary and secondary tumors were preserved, the esophageal specimens collected during radical surgery were processed to minimize shrinkage, and subclinical lesions were characterized by pathological examination. A 2-dimensional logistic regression model was used to assess the associations between clinicopathological features and microscopic spread of the lesions.Results: Subclinical lesions in pathological specimens were characterized as direct invasion, multicentric occurrence lesions, intra-mural metastasis, vascular invasion, and perineural invasion in 56.4, 40.0, 30.9, 21.8, and 18.2% of patients, respectively. The mean distances of the subclinical lesions from the primary tumor were 0.79 ± 1.28 cm and 0.87 ± 1.00 cm in the cranial and caudal directions, respectively. Together the SUVmax and MTV values could predict the presence of subclinical lesions that were not detectable in PET/CT images.Conclusions: To cover 94.5% of ESCC subclinical lesions in the CTVp, a 3-cm margin along the cranial-caudal axis should be added to the primary gross tumor volume as defined by FDG-PET/CT, as well as a cutoff SUVmax value of 2.5. Although preoperative FDG PET/CT images may not reveal lesions directly, the SUVmax and MTV measurements together could predict their presence.

Significance of Intramural Metastasis in Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Indicator of Aggressive Cancer Behavior.

Intramural metastasis (IM) is occasionally noted in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, few recent studies have investigated the clinicopathological characteristics of IM and its survival impact. The present study aimed to clarify the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of IM in patients with ESCC. We retrospectively examined 918 consecutive patients who underwent curative intent esophagectomy for ESCC. IM was defined as a pathologically confirmed metastatic lesion, which was clearly separate from the primary tumor and located within the esophageal or gastric wall. The clinicopathological characteristics and survival impact of IM were evaluated. A propensity score-matched analysis was performed to further elucidate the prognostic impact of IM. Among 918 patients, 46 (5.0%) had IM. Advanced tumors were significantly more frequent in patients with IM than in those without IM. The curative resection rate was lower in patients with IM (P = 0.001). Overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) were worse in patients with IM (both P < 0.001). In multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis, IM presence was an independent poor prognostic indicator for OS and DSS (both P < 0.001). After propensity score matching, advanced tumors according to pathological N stage and lymphatic invasion were more frequent in patients with IM (P = 0.015 and 0.004, respectively). Additionally, OS and DSS were different between patients with and those without IM (both P = 0.002). IM from ESCC is a local indicator of lymphatic invasion and advanced cancer, as well as an independent factor for poor prognosis.

Phospho-Sphingosine Kinase 1 Expression in Lymphatic Spread of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

BackgroundLymphatic spread is the main mode of progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a pleiotropic bioactive lipid mediator, which produced by sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) activated by phosphorylation. The SphK1-S1P axis has a crucial role in lymphangiogenesis. However, the significance of phospho-SphK1 (pSphK1) in the progression of ESCC has not been fully investigated. Materials and methodsWe evaluated pSphK1 expression in 92 surgically resected tumor tissues of ESCC by the immunohistochemistry. Fifty-nine (64%) patients with moderate or strong expression and 33 (36%) with negative or weak expression were classified in the pSphK1-high and pSphK1-low groups, respectively. ResultsHigher pathological N category (pN) was more frequently observed in the pSphK1-high group (P < 0.01). The median number of lymph node metastasis (pSphK1-high: 2 versus pSphK1-low: 0; P < 0.01), the proportion of patients with lymphatic invasion (69% versus 18%; P < 0.01) and that with intramural metastasis (27% versus 3%; P < 0.01) were significantly higher in the pSphK1-high group. The presence of lymphatic invasion (odds ratio [OR] 5.63; P < 0.01) and pN1–3 (OR 3.26; P = 0.04) were independently associated with high pSphK1 expression. The 5-y overall survival rate of the pSphK1-high group was significantly lower than that of the pSphK1-low group (50.8% versus 67.3%; P = 0.01). High pSphK1 expression was not identified as a significant independent prognostic factor. ConclusionsWe provide the first evidence of the association between high expression of pSphK1 and both lymphatic spread and patient outcomes in ESCC.

Rectal Cancer With Distally Spreading Intramural Metastasis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Introduction: Intramural metastasis (IM) is common in esophageal cancer, and it is an important factor in determining the resection area and tumor malignancy. However, IM is rare in rectal cancer; therefore, little is known about IM in rectal cancer, and the clinical significance remains unclear. Case Presentation: We describe a case of rectal cancer with distally spreading IM. A 58-year-old man consulted a primary care physician, with a chief complaint of constipation; tests revealed a high carcinoembryonic antigen value. A colonoscopy revealed a type 2, advanced rectal tumor, which covered two-thirds of the circumference of the upper rectum. In addition, 3 protruding lesions were observed under the normal mucosa on the anal side of the primary tumor. A laparoscopic low anterior resection was performed. Pathologic findings showed that the primary tumor was a moderate-to-well-differentiated adenocarcinoma with a cribriform structure. The 3 lesions on the anal side found under normal mucosa were separate from the primary tumor, but morphologically similar to the primary adenocarcinoma; therefore, these were diagnosed as IMs. Based on a review of previous case reports, rectal carcinomas were often accompanied by vascular invasions and lymph-node metastases. Moreover, in rectal cancer, tumors with IMs often show vascular invasion. Therefore, we assumed that IM could be a marker of poor prognosis. Conclusion: This study revealed that, in surgery, detection of a distally spreading IM is an important finding for determining the optimal surgical resection margin.

Intramural Metastasis as a Risk Factor for Recurrence in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The purpose of this study was to assess the clinicopathologic implications of intramural metastasis (IM) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We retrospectively analyzed 743 patients who underwent esophagectomy. Among these patients, IM was detected in 41 patients (5.5%). The clinicopathologic features of IM and its influence on postoperative recurrence were investigated. In total, 710 male patients and 33 female patients with a mean age of 64.4 ± 7.7 years were included. The median follow-up period was 98.5 months. IM was associated with large tumor size (p < 0.001), advanced T stage (p < 0.001), advanced N stage (p < 0.001), and advanced histologic grade (p < 0.023). IM was detected preoperatively in 51.2% of patients, and the median size of the metastasis was 2.0 cm (range: 0.1 to 6.4cm). The median distance from the primary tumor tothe metastasis was 2.5 cm (range: 0.5 to 21.0 cm); multiple metastases were observed in 46.3% of patients. Multivariable analyses revealed that advanced T stage (p< 0.001), advanced N stage (p < 0.001), and IM presence (p= 0.002) were independent risk factors for recurrence. The 5-year recurrence-free survival was 6.1% for patients with IM and 43.5% for patients without IM (p < 0.001). IM could be an important prognostic factor, along with anatomic determinants such as theTNM staging system, in patients with ESCC. Effective preoperative evaluation and postoperative surveillance may help improve the outcome of patients with ESCC, particularly when accompanied by IM.