Clinicopathological characteristics of colorectal submucosal carcinoma with lymph node metastasis

The clinicopathological characteristics of colorectal submucosal carcinoma with lymph node metastasis are described. Lymph node positive metastasis was found in 10 (11%) of 87 cases. The depth of submucosal invasion was classified as sm1, sm2 or sm3. Lymph node positive metastases were found in 18% of the cases at sm2 or more, in 31% of those without adenomatous components, in 39% of those with positive lymphatic permeation, in 41% of those with positive budding, and in 56% of all the moderately differentiated adenocarcinomas. These characteristics are risk factors and are important for the prediction of lymph node metastasis from colorectal submucosal carcinoma. Bowel resection with lymphadenectomy is indicated in the presence of any one or more risk factors.