Gastric Cancer Stage When First Station Lymph Node Metastasis Occurs

When gastric cancer spreads to the first station lymph nodes, it typically indicates stage III. During pathological examination, if metastasis is found in the perigastric lymph nodes, this usually corresponds to stage III gastric cancer.

The first station lymph nodes include groups I, II, III, and IV, sometimes even extending to groups V and VI around the stomach. In early-stage gastric cancer, the disease may be limited without lymph node involvement. However, the presence of lymph node metastasis suggests that the cancer has already begun to spread.

Patients with lymph node metastasis may require adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence. It is also crucial for these patients to undergo regular follow-up exams at the hospital to monitor for possible peritoneal or distant metastasis.

Understanding the pathological staging helps guide treatment decisions and improve long-term outcomes. Early detection and timely intervention play a key role in managing gastric cancer effectively.