The Lymphatic System in Colorectal Cancer: Basic Concepts, Pathology, Imaging, and Treatment Perspectives provides an in-depth overview on the role of the lymphatic system in the pathogenesis and treatment of colorectal cancer. This is the first book to provide a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to the lymphatic system in colorectal cancer, with topics ranging from cancer biology and mathematical modeling to surgical approaches and novel imaging techniques. This book is valuable for cancer researchers, oncologists and anyone interested in the biology and treatment of colorectal cancer. Bringing together internationally renowned experts, the book's chapters encompass relevant content to help readers understand complex subjects.

Lymphatic spread is one of the hallmarks of locally advanced colorectal cancer that adversely affects prognosis. Nevertheless, the molecular pathogenesis, dynamics and prognostic significance of lymphatic spread remain poorly understood. At the same time, novel surgical approaches such as complete mesocolic excision and sentinel node identification are being introduced, but their value remains uncertain.

• Presents a multidisciplinary approach, allowing readers to identify relevant fields of collaboration and inspire novel research endeavors in the field
• Discusses novel imaging techniques such as near-infrared that is being introduced in clinical practice as a tool for identifying sentinel nodes and lymphatic pathways
• Brings together international experts who shed light on the most relevant aspects of lymphatic spread in cancer of the bowel, underlying mechanisms, and the best method to avoid or treat it

Part A. Basic concepts1. Anatomy and embryology of the lymphatic system of the colon and rectum2. The premetastatic niche in colorectal cancer lymphatic metastasis3. Genetic drivers of lymphatic spread in colorectal cancer4. Evolution and biogeographical spread of colorectal cancer5. Immunology of the normal and cancer-invaded lymphatic system in CRC6. Biomechanical aspects of lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis7. Mathematical models of normal and cancer-associated lymphangiogenesis
Part B. Pathology and Imaging8. Pathological assessment of the lymph nodes in colorectal cancer9. Lymph node classification in colorectal cancer: TNM versus the Japanese system10. Prognostic significance of the lymph node ratio in colon and rectal cancer11. Tumor deposits in colorectal cancer12. Detection and significance of micro-metastases in colorectal lymph nodes13. Patterns of lymph node metastasis in rectal cancer14. Imaging of nodal disease in colon and rectal cancer
Part C. Treatment15. Complete mesocolic excision in colon cancer16. Japanese D3 dissection in colon cancer17. Lateral lymph node dissection in rectal cancer18. Neoadjuvant therapy and nodal recurrence in rectal cancer19. Management of extra-mesenteric and para-aortic nodal disease in colon cancer20. Fluorescence guided sentinel node detection in colorectal cancer surgery21. Systemic treatment for node positive colorectal cancer22. Radiotherapy for nodal disease in colorectal cancer