Lymph node metastasis in early gastric cancer

Objective To discuss the clinicopathological factors for lymph node metastasis (LNM) in early gastric cancer (EGO), including age, gender, location, size, macroscopic type, depth of invasion, histological type, and lymphatic invasion, and the regulation of LNM in EGC. Data sources The data used in this review were mainly from PubMed articles published in English. The search terms were "early gastric cancer" and "lymph node metastasis." Study selection Articles were selected if they reported the clinicopathological factors and regulation of LNM in EGC. Results The prognosis of EGO is better than advanced gastric cancer, with over 90% 5-year survival rate. The main risk factors for LNM in EGO are tumor size, macroscopic type, depth of invasion, histological type, ulceration, and lymphatic invasion. Conclusions LNM in EGO is a critical factor for assessment of prognosis and determination of therapeutic strategy. Endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection should be considered when patients have low risk of LNM.