Purpose: Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is the leading cause of tumor recurrence in early gastric cancer (EGC). Since endoscopic resection (ER) can be performed in EGC with curative intention when no LNM are present, this study wants to determine the risk factors for LNM in EGC.
Methods: One hundred twenty-four patients who have had an operative resection because of EGC were analyzed. Histopathological workup included tumor infiltration depth, lymphatic and vascular infiltration, lymph node infiltration, tumor differentiation, and the classification of Ming. A complete follow-up was achieved.
Results: There was no LNM among tumors meeting the standard or extended criteria for an ER. Lymphatic infiltration (p < 0.001) and infiltration of the submucosal layers (p = 0.018) proved to be the strongest risk factors for LNM. Tumors with a deeper infiltration depth (p = 0.015) and a lower grade of differentiation (p = 0.029) presented with a higher grade of lymphatic infiltration. Tumors located in the body of the stomach (p = 0.003) and tumors with infiltrative growth according to Ming (p = 0.021) had a significantly higher risk for lymphatic infiltration. The 5-year overall survival was 84 % in nodal negative patients and 42 % in patients with LNM (p = 0.002).
Conclusions: ER within the extended criteria with a meticulous histological workup should be performed in EGC to determine whether risk factors for LNM are present. If lymphatic infiltration is observed, surgery with lymphadenectomy is recommended. Tumors exceeding the extended criteria should undergo primary surgery with adequate lymphadenectomy.
Keywords: Early gastric cancer; Lymph node metastasis; Risk factors.