Identification and initial validation of maximal tumor area as a novel prognostic factor for overall and disease-free survival in patients with resectable colon cancer: a retrospective study.

Tumor area was identified as an independent prognostic factor for both OS and DFS in curable colon cancer patients, and in cases with adequate number of retrieved lymph nodes. The novel prognostic model of combining T stage, N stage, and tumor area may be an alternative to the current TNM staging system.