Tumor size as a simple prognostic indicator for gastric carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Tumor size can be measured easily before or during operation with no special tools, but its prognostic use in patients with gastric carcinoma is still unclear.

Methods: Clinicopathologic data of 479 patients who underwent curative operation for gastric carcinoma were studies. The relationship between tumor size and survival of patients was investigated.

Results: The patients were divided into three groups: 182 with tumors measuring < 4 cm (group I), 252 with tumors of 4-10 cm (group II), and 45 with tumors of > or = 10 cm (group III). The 10-year survival rates for group I, II, and III patients were 92%, 66% and 33%, respectively (p < 0.01), and the three groups were significantly different with regard to depth of invasion (p < 0.01), number and level of lymph node metastasis (p < 0.01), and stage of disease (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis indicated that tumor size independently influenced the survival of patients.

Conclusions: Tumor size clinically serves as a simple predictor of tumor progression and survival of patients in gastric carcinoma.