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Updated: May 27, 2026
A Genetically Engineered Mouse Model of Sporadic Colorectal Cancer
Published on: July 6, 2017
[A rare case of colorectal micropapillary carcinoma]
Leonardo Saúl Lino-Silva1, Rosa Angélica Salcedo-Hernández
1Departamento de Anatomía Patológica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Secretaría de Salud, México. saul.lino.sil@gmail.com
Abstract:
Micropapillary carcinoma is regarded as an aggressive variant of adenocarcinoma in any location. It is histologically characterized by papillary cell clusters surrounded by clear spaces. The reported proportion of micropapillary carcinoma component in the entire tumor ranges from 5-80% and no pure cases have been reported. To date, there are approximately 130 cases reported in the colorectum. We recently examined a patient with a pure micropapillary carcinoma showing co-expression of CK7, CK20, and absence of CDX2, which had an aggressive tumor with extensive perineural, vascular, and lymphatic invasion as well as extensive nodal metastasis. The presence of a micropapillary carcinoma in the colorectum seemed to be closely related with nodal metastasis, as observed in micropapillary carcinomas from other organs. Thus, if a micropapillary component is identified in a tumor, particularly in a biopsy specimen, extensive surgical resection should be considered due to the high potential for nodal metastasis, even if the preoperative diagnosis is a pedunculated early colorectal cancer.
Insights
Micropapillary carcinoma, an aggressive cancer variant, often invades surrounding tissues and metastasizes to lymph nodes. Early detection and surgical resection are crucial for managing this colorectal cancer subtype.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Micropapillary carcinoma is an aggressive histological variant of adenocarcinoma.
- It presents as papillary cell clusters within clear spaces, with reported components ranging from 5-80%.
Observation:
- A rare case of pure colorectal micropapillary carcinoma was identified.
- This tumor exhibited CK7/CK20 co-expression and lacked CDX2.
- Extensive perineural, vascular, and lymphatic invasion with nodal metastasis was noted.
Findings:
- Micropapillary carcinoma in the colorectum is strongly associated with nodal metastasis.
- This association mirrors observations in other organs.
Implications:
- The presence of micropapillary carcinoma warrants consideration for extensive surgical resection.
- This is crucial due to high metastatic potential, even in early-stage colorectal cancer diagnoses.
