Analysis of Risk Factors of Lymph Node Metastasis in Rectal Neuroendocrine Neoplasms Using Multicenter Data

Aim: This study was conducted to analyze the risk factors associated with lymph node metastasis in rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). Materials & methods: A total of 419 patients with rectal NENs were enrolled. A univariate analysis of risk factors of lymph node metastasis was conducted using a χ2 test, and a multivariate analysis was conducted using a logistic regression analysis. Results: Univariate and multivariate regression analysis revealed that tumor size, G grade and the depth of tumor invasion were independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Rectal NENs patients with a larger tumor size, deeper tumor invasion or a higher G grade had a higher risk of regional lymph node metastasis.