Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that lymph node metastasis (hazard ratio (HR), 6.44; 95% CI, 3.68−11.27; p < 0.0001), margin status (HR, 4.94; 95% CI, 2.85−8.54; p < 0.0001), and high expression of ATG12 (HR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.17−3.06; p = 0.0099) were independent prognostic factors negatively associated with survival in patients undergoing curative resection. The gene discussed is ATG12; the disease is metastatic malignant neoplasm in the lymph nodes.