Correlation Between Histomorphometric Parameters and Lymph Node Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer
- Jul 13
- 2 min read
https://doi.org/10.66715/ijcar/2026v2.i1.3745 | Original Research Paper | 2026 | Volume 2 | Issue 1 | Page 116-126
DR. P. SARAVANAN, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, Department of Anatomy, SAL Institute of Medical Sciences, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Histopathological evaluation remains the cornerstone for diagnosis, staging, and prognostication. Histomorphometric parameters such as tumor depth, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, tumor budding, lymphocytic response, and histological grade have been increasingly recognized as predictors of lymph node metastasis, which significantly influences treatment decisions and patient outcomes.
Aim: To evaluate the correlation between histomorphometric parameters and lymph node metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer.
Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 100 histopathologically confirmed colorectal carcinoma specimens obtained from patients undergoing surgical resection. Routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained sections were examined for histomorphometric parameters including tumor size, depth of invasion (pT stage), histological grade, tumor budding, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, tumor border configuration, desmoplastic reaction, and inflammatory infiltrate. Regional lymph nodes were assessed for metastatic involvement. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test, independent t-test, and multivariate logistic regression, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: Lymph node metastasis was identified in 46% of cases. Significant positive correlations were observed between lymph node metastasis and higher tumor grade (p = 0.008), advanced depth of invasion (p < 0.001), presence of lymphovascular invasion (p < 0.001), perineural invasion (p = 0.002), and high-grade tumor budding (p = 0.001). Tumors exhibiting infiltrative margins and weak peritumoral inflammatory response also demonstrated a higher incidence of nodal metastasis. Multivariate analysis identified lymphovascular invasion, tumor budding, and depth of invasion as independent predictors of lymph node metastasis.
Conclusion: Histomorphometric parameters provide valuable prognostic information in colorectal cancer and demonstrate a strong association with lymph node metastasis. Comprehensive histopathological assessment of these parameters can facilitate early identification of high-risk patients, improve pathological staging, and support individualized therapeutic planning. Incorporating detailed histomorphometric evaluation into routine pathology reporting may enhance prognostic accuracy and optimize clinical management of colorectal cancer patients.