Histology of Colorectal Carcinoma: Proven and Purported Prognostic Factors

Surg Pathol Clin. 2020 Sep;13(3):503-520. doi: 10.1016/j.path.2020.05.008. Epub 2020 Jul 9.

Abstract

Although tumor stage has a profound influence on prognosis, several histologic features are also important. These parameters predict biological behavior and can be used by clinicians to determine whether patients are at high risk for disease progression and, thus, are candidates for adjuvant therapy, particularly when they have localized (ie, stage II) disease. This article summarizes the evidence supporting the prognostic values of various histologic parameters evaluated by pathologists who assign pathologic stage to colorectal cancers. Criteria to be discussed include histologic subtype, tumor grade, lymphatic and perineural invasion, tumor budding, and host immune responses.

Keywords: Colorectal carcinoma; Histology; Pathology; Prognostic features.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnosis
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous / diagnosis
  • Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Medullary / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Medullary / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Signet Ring Cell / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Signet Ring Cell / pathology
  • Colon / pathology
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Prognosis
  • Rectum / pathology