Tumor perforation [Type]

Tumor perforation Type

Definition

The surgeon's assessment of the nature of the perforation through the tumor. The type of tumor perforation is a prognostic factor in determining postoperative mortality and long-term survival. Perforation away from the tumor, related to colonic obstruction by the tumor, should be distinguished from perforation through the tumor. Perforation occurring during the course of surgery should be differentiated from the colonic obstructon and should be identified as such by the surgeon. This term was created for, but not limited in use to, the Colorectal Cancer Structured Reporting Protocol (2nd Edition, 2012) developed by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA).