Lymphovascular Invasion
Also written as: LVI — Lymphovascular Invasion
The histopathological finding of tumour cells within lymphatic channels or blood vessels in a surgical specimen, indicating a route for regional or distant metastasis.
Full Definition
Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is a prognostic histopathological parameter in which malignant cells are identified within lymphatic or vascular lumina in the tissue sections of an oral or maxillofacial tumour specimen. Its presence is associated with increased risk of nodal metastasis and poorer overall prognosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma and salivary gland malignancies. Editors must note that 'lymphovascular invasion' is frequently abbreviated to 'LVI' in synoptic pathology reports, and its presence, absence, or indeterminate status must be faithfully transcribed. It should not be confused with 'perineural invasion' (PNI), which refers specifically to tumour cells within nerve sheaths and is a separately documented parameter. Some style guides separate 'lymphatic invasion' from 'vascular invasion' as distinct checkboxes.
Usage
Usage note: LVI and PNI are separate parameters in standardized synoptic reports; never merge them into a single comment. Record whether status is 'present,' 'absent,' or 'indeterminate.'
In Context
- "Lymphovascular invasion was identified in two of the five submitted sections, warranting documentation in the synoptic report." — Synoptic pathology report
- "Editors reviewing oral cancer reports should treat 'lymphovascular invasion' and 'perineural invasion' as distinct reportable parameters and ensure neither is conflated with the other." — Pathology report quality checklist