Peritumoral deposits as an adverse prognostic indicator of colorectal cancer.

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of peritumoral deposits (PTDs) in colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods A total of 695 patients with pT3/T4 CRC (1980 to 1999) were reviewed. Tumor deposits located ≥2 mm from the front of the direct spread in the primary tumor were evaluated as PTDs. Results PTDs were observed in 111 patients (16.0%). The incidence of PTDs increased according to increasing N stage: 7% for N0, 22% for N1, and 39% for N2 ( P P Conclusions PTDs have considerable prognostic relevance and offer improved judgment reproducibility in assessing the invasive margin of CRC.