Abstract
Background
Esophagectomy and lymph node dissection is still the main treatment for esophageal cancer. Endoscopic mucosal resection and submucosal dissection are increasingly becoming a treatment of choice to preserve the integrity of the esophagus and decrease the surgical trauma in early esophageal cancer. However, lymph node metastasos (LNM) risk is still a debate focus for the decision of treatment selection. Our objective was to evaluate the prevalence, pattern and risk factors of LNM in early stage esophageal cancer to improve surgical treatment allocation.
Methods
We identified patients with pathological T1 stage esophageal cancer who underwent esophagectomy and lymph node dissection. The pattern of LNM was analyzed and the risk factors related to LNM were assessed by univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis.The nomogram model was used to estimate the individual risk of lymph node metastasis.
Results
In 143 patients, LNM rates were: all patients 17.5%, T1a 8.0%, and T1b 22.5% for T1b. Depth of tumor infiltration (P < 0.05), tumor size (P < 0.01), tumor location (P < 0.05), and tumor differentiation (P < 0.01) were independent risk factors related to LNM. These four parameters allowed the compilation of a nomogram to estimate the individual risk of LNM. Fig. Nomogram to estimate the individual risk of LNM. Each characteristic of the included parameters scores a specific number of points (points per parameter). The summarized total points score indicates the probability of LNM. For a middle esophageal cancer with middle differentiated (G2), 3 cm tumor (> 2.5cm) that invades the submucosa (pT1b), the calculated total scores is 129.5 = 87.5 + 21 + 0 + 21, hence the corresponding LNM risk is 20%.
Conclusion
T1 esophageal cancer has a relatively high LNM rate, and the depth of tumor infiltration, tumor size, tumor location and tumor differentiation are correlated with LNM. Nomograms that include factors can be used to predict individual LNM risk. The LNM risk and extent must be considered comprehensively in decision-making of a better surgical treatment and lymph node dissection strategy.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
Clinical analysis of metastatic characteristics of infrapyloric lymph nodes (No.206) and terminal ileum lymph nodes in patients with right colon cancer
