[A case of lateral lymph node metastasis of submucosal rectal cancer]

We report a case of lateral lymph node metastasis of submucosal rectal cancer. A 54-year-old man was pointed out with stool occult blood reaction positive. Screening colonoscopy revealed an 18 mm 0-Is rectal cancer in Rb 6 cm from anal verge. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) was performed. Tumor appeared to be well treated, but pathological findings demonstrated the tumor invasion into submucosally (1,300 µm) with lymphovascular invasion ie ly (+) and v (+). Laparoscopic low anterior resection was then performed and no metastasis of lymph nodes (pSM, N0/stage I) was found. But he suddenly had an elevation of CEA (4 ng/mL to 26 ng/mL) after 14 months and following MRI and PET-CT revealed a recurrence in a right lateral lymph node (#283). Chemoradiation therapy (CRT) with CPT-11, UFT and LV was performed. After CRT, lateral lymph nodes and para aortic lymph nodes dissection were performed. Despite of the chemotherapy, he died after 13 months from a recurrence of lateral lymph node metastasis.