Objective:To discuss the relationship between metastases and size or number of lymph nodes (LNs) detected by CT through comparing with pathological results. Methods:Helical CT was performed in 65 patients.Various groups were classified according to histopathologic results on N staging.Sensitivity and specificity were evaluated by means of receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) to determine the diagnostic values of size and number. Results:(1)The numbers of LNs detected by CT in each patients with and without LNs metastases were 14.20±7.72 and 6.86±3.37,respectively, with a significant difference.(2)Differences of LNs’ number among No1,3,7 stations between metastasis group and nonmetastasis one were significant.(3)The sensitivity and specificity were 82.4% and 71.4%,82.4% and 71.4%,80.4% and 78.6% respectively,according to ROC analysis,when criterions of 8 LNs detected in each patients,5 total nodes detected in No.1,3,7 stations in each patients,12mm of the largest LN detected in each patients was used to determine metastasis.(4)The sensitivity and specificity were 72.5% and 92.9% respectively,by combining the number and size indicators. Conclusion:(1)There is a tightly correlation between number of LNs detected by CT and metastasis.(2)LNs metastases is strongly indicated when most nodes are presented in No1、3、7 stations.When 5 total nodes criterion was used,the sensitivity and specificity were 82.4% and 71.4% respectively.(3)Combining the number and size indicators can increase specificity of diagnosing metastases.