[Gastric cancer--Japanese Classification, sentinel lymph nodes and lymph dissection]

The aim of Japanese Classification is to provide a common language for the clinical and pathological description of gastric cancer and thereby contribute to continued research and improvements in treatment and diagnosis. Lymph-node dissection has been regarded as an effective surgical treatment for gastric cancer in Japan. It reduces local recurrences and improves survival rate. Japanese-style systematic D2 lymphadenectomy is now being introduced in western countries for treatment of gastric cancer. This surgical procedure, however, is not simple and shoul be performed by experienced surgeons. And it is too early to apply sentinel node biopsy for reducing extent of lymphadenectomy because of so complicated lymphatic streams from the stomach and frequent skip- and micrometastases.