AgNOR study in Colorectal Carcinoma with Correlation of Histopathological Grade and UICC Stage

Colorectal cancer is the third most common type accounting for 10 % of all cancer death. In India it is one among the common ten cancers. Dietary factors play an important role in predisposing it, only 1 to 3 % cancer is caused by Familial syndromes. Even though multiple factors play a role in predicting the outcome, in our study we use AgNOR count as prognostic indicator. Aim To Study the significance of AgNOR as prognostic indicator in correlation with histopathological grade and UICC stage. Methodology 25 random cases of operated colorectal cancer specimens were received, processed and studied using routine H& E stain and Modified AgNOR staining method. Only scattered AgNOR dots per nuclei were counted under 1000 fold magnification. Observation and result All cases were adenocarcinoma of various grades with well, moderately and poorly differentiated shows 3.8, 3.8 and 7 dots per nuclei. Stage I, III, IV shows 3.3, 5.6 and 9.4 respectively. Conclusion AgNOR count more than 4 per nuclei is associated with bad prognosis. AgNOR count shows significant correlation with UICC stage. Count less than 4 does not have significant correlation with tumour grade. Our study show AgNOR is a reliable prognostic indicator for colorectal cancer.