Abstract
The expression of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its relationship with cancer progression, histological malignancy, and the DNA ploidy pattecn was examined immunohistologically in 22 oral squamous cell carcinomas. The results obtained were as follows:
1. Tumor size (T) was not correlated with presence of EGF and DNA ploidy patterns.
2. Regional lymph node metastasis (N) was correlated with the presence of EGF and DNA ploidy patterns, suggesting that EGF immunoreactivity and nuclear DNA content may be a useful approach in obtaining information concerning its lymph node metastasis.
3. Histological malignancy was correlated with the presence of EGF and DNA ploidy pattecns.
4. The mode of invasion and the depth of invasion showed were correlated with the presence of EGF and DNA ploidy patterns, respectively, suggesting that EGF expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma is closely correlated with nuclear DNA content and the progression to advanced cancer.
