Tumor size as a simple prognostic indicator for gastric carcinoma.

Abstract

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