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Patients with low rectal cancer who have enlarged lateral pelvic lymph nodes are known to have a worse prognosis. There is however uncertainty over what constitutes a lateral pelvic lymph node of clinical significance. As the main modality for the detection of such lymph nodes is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), characteristics of these lateral lymph nodes identified may have prognostic value and assist with guiding treatment. Options to manage such lateral lymph nodes includes neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy as well as lateral lymph node dissection. Surgery is extensive and may lead to significant morbidity to the patient. This review article evaluates diagnostic and management strategies in patients with lateral pelvic lymph nodes in low rectal cancer.

Original publication

DOI

10.21037/jgo.2019.01.22

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Gastrointest Oncol

Publication Date

12/2019

Volume

10

Pages

1200 - 1206

Keywords

Lateral pelvic lymph node, lateral pelvic lymph node dissection, low rectal cancer, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy