Objective To summarize and analyze the different views on the lymph node metastasis and the extent of lymphadenectomy in gastric cancer.Methods The current domestic and foreign reports on lymph node metastasis and lymphadenectomy in gastric cancer were reviewed.Results Lymph node dissection of gastric cancer is based on clinical stage and the location of the tumor. Laparoscopic-assisted gastrectomy in treatment of gastric cancer is a safe， feasible， effective， and minimally invasive technique with good outcomes for patients. Sentinel lymph node（SLN） in the clinical assessment of early gastric cancer is feasible，besides with high accuracy and sensitivity. Lymphatic mapping is an effective， easy， and safe method to guide lymphadenectomy in gastric cancer. Evidence-based lymphadenectomy in gastric cancer provide a new perspective to the extent. Conclusions It is difficult to evaluate those methods exactly. Researchers over the world should learn from each other and explore further in order to develop guiding principles in the end.