Tumor angiogenesis related to growth pattern and lymph node metastasis in early gastric cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between angiogenesis and tumor growth pattern as well as the lymph node metastasis to reveal the significance of vascularity in the early stage of gastric cancer. METHODS: 97 specimens from patients with early gastric cancer were studied by immunohistochemical method using anti-factor VIII related antigen antibody. RESULTS: Microvessel count was related to tumor growth pattern. The mean vessel count was higher in superficially spreading and penetrating types of tumors. Lymph node metastasis was correlated to microvessel count. Tumors with lymph node metastasis had higher microvessel counts than those without lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: In the early stage of gastric carcinoma, angiogenesis is correlated with tumor growth pattern and lymph node metastasis. Identification of tumors with high density of vascularization is beneficial for closer follow-up and adjuvant therapy.