Current Status: PDF OnlyThe clinical significance of vascular invasion in colorectal cancerMinsky, Bruce M.D.1,2; Mies, Carolyn M.D.1,2 Author Information 2Department of Molecular Biology Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center New York New York 1Department of Radiation Oncology Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center 1275 York Avenue 10021 New York New York Diseases of the Colon & Rectum: September 1989 - Volume 32 - Issue 9 - p 794-803 doi: 10.1007/BF02562132 Buy Metrics Abstract A number of investigators have examined the influence of vascular invasion by tumor in colon, rectal, and colorectal cancer. Some consider the presence of vascular invasion an unfavorable prognostic feature and propose treatment recommendations based on its presence. Vascular invasion has two distinct components: blood vessel invasion and lymphatic vessel invasion. The use of elastic tissue stains enhance both the detection of blood vessel invasion and its differentiation from lymphatic vessel invasion. Almost all series report an increased incidence of blood vessel invasion with increasing stage and grade. Although the influence of blood vessel invasion and lymphatic vessel invasion on patterns of failure is variable, both are associated with a decrease in survival; however, treatment recommendations based solely on the presence of blood vessel invasion or lymphatic vessel invasion should be made with caution. © The ASCRS 1989
