The predictive prognostic factors and risk factors of lymph node metastasis in patients with early gastric cancer
Abstract Background: Determining the prognosis of early gastric cancer (EGC) is very important for the selection of preoperative treatment strategies. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the clinicopathological features and prognostic factors in EGC and the related risk factors of lymph node metastasis (LNM). Methods: From March 2007 through December 2010, 1004 patients who underwent gastrectomy at Harbin Medical University were retrospectively identified; 120 patients were diagnosed with EGC. The clinicopathological features and prognostic factors were analysed by univariate and multivariate analyses. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to discern risk factors for LNM in EGC. Results: The incidence of EGC was 11.96%. A univariate analysis showed that age, preoperative haemoglobin (Hb) level, prealbumin level, tumour size and LNM were significant prognostic factors. A multivariate analysis showed that the preoperative Hb level and LNM were independent prognostic factors. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age, Ca-199 level and macroscopic tumour type were independent risk factors for LNM in EGC. Conclusions: Preoperative Hb level and LNM were both independent prognostic factors for EGC. These factors may help surgeons implement appropriate treatment strategies during the perioperative period.