Resumen
In patients with colon cancer, the number of lymph nodes examined during surgery can have a significant impact on their long-term survival. We conducted a study with over 7000 patients and found that those who had at least 12 lymph nodes evaluated had better survival rates. A younger age, specific cancer stages, and a right-sided tumor location were associated with a higher number of lymph nodes examined. Additionally, we discovered that the ratio of metastatic to examined nodes (LNR) was a valuable predictor of survival and provided more precise information than the conventional pN classification system. This research emphasizes the importance of a thorough lymph node evaluation in colon cancer patients for accurate prognosis and treatment decisions.