Prognostic significance of microscopic structure of gastric carcinomas and their regional lymph nodes

Abstract

The correlation of structural features in the tumor and the regional lymph nodes with patient survival is confirmed in a study of 600 Norwegian patients with gastric cancer. Follicular hyperplasia in the regional nodes and lymphoid infiltration of the tumor are associated with longer survival, as are favorable nuclear grade and tumor grade determinations. Each of these factors is also associated with a more favorable extent of disease. In contrast with breast cancer, sinus histiocytosis of the regional lymph nodes is infrequently seen. The prognostic influence of the aforementioned factors could not be explained by taking histologic type into account. This study provides further evidence in support of a tumor-host interaction wherein a significant component of host response is mediated by lymphoreticuloendothelial system.