Tumor size as a simple prognostic indicator for gastric carcinoma

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 studied. 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 ≥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.