Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the maximum tumor diameter alone was an independent predictor of lymph node metastasis, whereas lymphovascular invasion and MVD was not the predictor of lymph node metastasis.
In patients of infiltrating type, stage T(3)-T(4), vessel invasion, lymphatic metastasis, hepatic or peritoneal metastasis, the mean MVD were significantly higher than those in patients of expanding type (P < 0.01), stage T(1)-T(2) (P < 0.01), non-vessel invasion (P < 0.01), without lymphatic metastasis (P < 0.01), without hepatic and peritoneal metastasis (P < 0.01), respectively.