Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
lymphovascular invasion
Also written as: LVI — lymphovascular invasion
Microscopic finding of cancer cells within lymphatic vessels or blood vessels, indicating increased metastatic potential.
Full Definition
The histopathologic identification of tumor cells within the lumens of lymphatic or vascular channels, representing an important prognostic factor in many cancers. Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) suggests the tumor's ability to access the circulatory system and indicates higher risk for nodal and distant metastases. Editors should note that this finding influences staging, adjuvant therapy decisions, and follow-up protocols in oncologic care.
Usage
Usage note: May be abbreviated as LVI but spell out on first use in formal reports.
In Context
- "Lymphovascular invasion was identified in 3 of 15 examined sections." — Pathology report
- "The presence of lymphovascular invasion upstages this T1 tumor." — Multidisciplinary tumor board
Also known as
LVI
vascular invasion
lymphatic invasion
Contrasted with
lymphovascular invasion absent
Don't confuse with
perineural invasion
vascular encasement