[Problems in general rules/TNM classification, and prognosis--rectal cancer].

Problems in General Rules (Japan) and TNM Classification (UICC) for, and the prognoses of rectal cancer were considered. The problems of rules are concerned with the division of the rectal locations, depth of the wall invasion, lymph-node classification, vasal infiltration, edge of the resected specimen (EW), etc. And the General Rules and TNM Classification were compared in these respects stage by stage. The locations of rectal cancer (Rb, Ra, Rs,) are asked to be indicated, setting up the borders at 1 cm, 6 cm, 12 cm above DL (dentate line), as Rb (1.1-6.0 above DL), Ra (6.1-12 above DL) and Rs (12.1-15 above DL). With regard to the depth of the wall invasion, the parts lacking in and having the serosa are asked to be contrasted as a1 and ss or a2 and s(+). With regard to ly, v that influences greatly the prognosis, it should be shown either positive or negative, and also the distance from EW be measured. Under TNM Classifications, there are observed some strains in the ratings of the metastasis of lymph-nodes and the depth of invasions, whereas the General Rules are quite peculiar of them. And it is of great rate clinical significance that the stages have been provided depending on the difference of ratings.