Lymph node micrometastases of adenocarcinoma located in the gastroesophageal junction

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of micrometastases (MM) and tumor cell microinvolvement (TCM) in regional lymph nodes of patients with gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. Material and methods: 61 patients with adenocarcinoma (stage N0) were included in this study. Lymph nodes removed during surgery were examined using mixed monoclonal antibodies against pan-cytokeratins (AE1/AE3). Micrometastases was defined as single neoplastic cells or infiltration with diameter below 0.5 mm but not involving the interstitium. Results: Micrometastases were found in 2 cases with adenocarcinoma type I and 4 cases with type III. Tumor cell microinvolvement was found in 2 cases of either adenocarcinoma type I or type III (according to Siewert's classification). Presence of MM did not influence survival rate. Conclusions: Despite no influence of MM presence on survival rate, MM came from adenocarcinoma type III more frequently. The presence of MM proved lack of homogeneity in the group of N0 stage and makes evaluation advantageous.