Clinical Significance of Histologic Classification in Accordance with Lauén as an Addition to pTNM

Abstract

The significance of Lauren's histologic classification for the estimation of prognosis after curative gastrectomy has been investigated. The prognosis for early carcinoma of the stomach is the same for both intestinal and diffuse types. The prognosis for advanced carcinomas is decisively affected by the histologic type according to Laurén's classification. This is true for the entire group of advanced carcinomas and for tumours of the different pT and pN categories. To achieve a reliable estimate of the individual prognosis and meaningful description of treated patients, the pTNM classification of advanced stomach carcinomas should be supplemented by the use of the Laurén's classification.