In univariate analysis for RFS, larger tumor size (P = 0.026), multiple tumors (P = 0.001), presence of lymph node metastasis (P < 0.001) and MVI (P = 0.01), elevated ALT (P = 0.047), GGT (P = 0.002) and AFP (P = 0.048) levels, elevated GPR (P = 0.012), declined AAPR (P = 0.003) and AGR (P = 0.001) levels, and advanced TNM stage (P < 0.001 for both AJCC 7th edition and LCSGJ stage) were identified as risk factors for recurrence. Here, AFP is linked to metastatic malignant neoplasm in the lymph nodes.