Abstract
The relationship between mandibular involvement by tumor (MI), the histological mode of tumor invasion (MTI), and the distribution of extracellular matrix in tumor (DECM) was clinically and immunohistologically investigated in a retrospective series of 37 patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lower alveolus and gingiva.
Mandibular involvement by tumor (MI) was evaluated based on the roentogenographic mode of mandibular resorption (RMMR) and the degree of mandibular resorption (DMR) . RMMR and DMR were classified according to the classification systems established by Swearingen (1966) and Totsuka (1985) . The mode of tumor invation (MTI) was assessed according to the classification system established by Yamamoto and Kohama (1983) . Furthermore, MIII was subclassified into two groups, MIIIa and MIIIb, according to the distribution of extracellular matrix.
Laminin, type-IV collagen, heparan-sulfate proteoglycan, fibronection, tenascin, vitronectin, and decorin in extracellular matrix were immunohistologically investigated.
The results obtained were as follows; 1) A clear relationship was found between the T-grade and the MI. 2) A positive relationship between MTI and MI was observed. 3) A relationship between RMMR and DECM was recognized.
These results suggested that detailed analysis of these factors could provide us with information useful in determining treatment plans for SCC of the lower gum.
