Significant variables in the RFS and OS analysis included spondin-2 overexpression (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively), larger tumor size (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively), tumor site (P = 0.023 and P = 0.031, respectively), prominent serosal invasion (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively) and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively) (Table 2). Here, SPON2 is linked to metastatic malignant neoplasm in the lymph nodes.