Association of clinicopathological factors with the number of lymph nodes retrieved in colorectal cancer specimens.

Aim-Background: The number of the retrieved lymph nodes in colorectal cancer specimens is of major significance for accurate staging and deciding possible adjuvant therapy, while node-metastasis is one of the most important prognostic factors of colorectal cancer. The aim of this study is to determine the association of clinicopathological factors with the number of the retrieved lymph nodes in colorectal cancer specimens. Methods: During the period 2008-2010, 42 patients underwent surgery for colorectal cancer. The cases were reviewed according to age, gender, tumour location and diameter, and bowel length. Results: The number of lymph nodes retrieved was reviewed according to the possible association with the clinicopathological factors under study. There was no significant association between gender and the number of lymph nodes examined, between the tumour size and the number of lymph nodes retrieved or the bowel length. On the contrary, a variance in the number was noted when the different location of the tumour was considered, and also when different age groups were studied. Conclusions: The number of the lymph nodes retrieved in colorectal specimens can be associated with many different factors, but what should always be taken into consideration before proceeding to surgical treatment is the tumour location and the patient's age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]