Prognostic factors in gastric carcinoma.

One hundred and thirty eight gastric carcinomas were studied histologically with special reference to the morphology of the tumor, its surrounding tissues and the regional lymph nodes. A special search was focused on the morphologic manifestations of possible host factors in association with gastric carcinoma. The most prominent findings were as follows: 1. The nuclear grade of the tumor was positively correlated with the 5-year survival rate of the patients. 2. The content of tumor-derived mucus was not a prognostic determinant. 3. The intensity of the stromal lymphocyte and plasma cell reactions did not affect the prognosis but was inversely related to the frequency of nodal metastases. 4. Sinus histiocytosis and nodal mast cell reactions were an important determinant of whether nodal metastases appear or not. 5. An active paracortical area of the lymph node was almost incompatible with the appearance of nodal metastases.