An "apple core" lesion is most commonly associated with which type of cancer?

An "apple core" lesion refers to a specific appearance seen in imaging studies, particularly on barium enema or colonoscopy, which is indicative of a certain pathology in the colon. This appearance is characterized by a constricting, irregular-shaped lesion that resembles the shape of an apple core, and it is strongly associated with colon cancer.

The lesion typically results from the invasive growth of a tumor that narrows the lumen of the colon, leading to the characteristic shape visible on imaging. This specific morphology is not seen with the other types of cancers listed. While liver, pancreatic, and lung cancers may present with a variety of symptoms and imaging findings, the "apple core" lesion is uniquely and predominantly observed in cases of colorectal carcinoma, particularly at the site of an obstructing lesion. Understanding this association is crucial for identifying and diagnosing colorectal cancer effectively in clinical practice.