Journal de cytologie et d'histologie

Detailed analysis of lymphatic invasion using D2-40 immunostaining in early gastric adenocarcinoma: Proposal of the classification of lymphatic invasion by D2-40 immunostaining

Abstract

Toshiharu Matsumoto* and Kanako Ogura

Aims: Lymphatic invasion by D2-40 immunostaining has been evaluated based on the presence of carcinoma cells in the lymphatic lumen, but the entering of carcinoma cells with an invading style into the lymphatic lumen of a lymphatic vessel was reported in early gastric adenocarcinoma (EGAC), in which carcinoma cells localize within mucosa or submucosa. Here, a detailed examination of lymphatic invasion by D2-40 immunostaining is made in EGAC. Methods: A total of 204 EGAC patients who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection was examined. Lymphatic invasion was classified as intra-lumen type and invading type by D2-40 immunostaining. In the intra-lumen type, carcinoma cells are present in the lymphatic lumen. In the invading type, carcinoma cells invade the lymphatic vessel with destruction of the lymphatic wall and enter the lymphatic lumen.