Info
Vascular invasion
Cancer cells have entered the blood vessels in the area of the tumor. It can increase the risk of spread, but it does not mean that metastases are already present.
What it means
The presence of tumor cells in the blood or lymphatic vessels in or around the tumor. It indicates a higher risk of the disease spreading and can influence the decision about adjuvant treatment.
In short
Cancer cells have entered the blood vessels in the area of the tumor. It can increase the risk of spread, but it does not mean that metastases are already present.
Where you will see it
Mentioned in the postoperative histopathology report, in the section about the characteristics of the tumor.
What it does not tell you on its own
Vascular invasion on its own does not establish the stage and does not confirm the existence of metastases. It is interpreted together with other factors.
Questions for your doctor
- Is there vascular invasion in my case?
- What does it mean for the risk of metastases?
- Does it affect the decision about adjuvant chemotherapy?
Related terms
The terms below often appear alongside this one. Each definition is right here, so you do not have to look elsewhere.
- Histopathology
- The examination under the microscope of tissue taken by biopsy or surgery. The histopathology report describes the type of cells, the tumor grade and other details that help establish the diagnosis and treatment.
- Metastasis
- The spread of cancer cells from the site of origin to other organs or tissues. Metastases show that the disease has spread to distant sites and they influence the stage, the prognosis and the type of treatment recommended.
- Lymph node
- A small structure of the lymphatic system, involved in the body's defence. In cancer, the lymph nodes are important for staging, because they can be the route by which the disease begins to spread.
Other terms in “Diagnosis”
Glossary definitions are written for patients by the OncoDots team and go through internal medical review. They explain terms; they do not establish a diagnosis and do not recommend a treatment.