* <spoiler text="What are the most common sites of metastasis for primary adenocarcinomas of the colon?">All colorectal tumors spread by direct extension into adjacent structures and by metastasis through the lymphatics and blood vessels. In order of preference, the favored sites of metastatic spread are the regional lymph nodes, liver, lungs, and bones, followed by many other sites, including the serosal membrane of the peritoneal cavity, brain, and others. Generally the disease has spread beyond the range of curative surgery in 25 to 30% of patients.</spoiler>

* <spoiler text="What are some clues which suggest that these are metastatic tumors rather than primary tumors?">The lesions are spread throughout both the liver and the lung and they are variably-sized. There does not appear to be a large primary tumor with multiple small "daughter tumors." Of course these only suggest metastasis. To be sure of the source of the tumor immunohistologic stains for specific diagnostic markers would be performed on the tissues to determine the tissue of origin.</spoiler>

{{IPLab 7}}

[[Category: IPLab:Lab 7]]