ABSTRACT
Stroml changes may play an important role in progression, invasion and prognosis of colorectal tumors. Biopsy specimens of colorectal tumors were evaluated for stromal char- acterizations. Section stained with Haematoxyline and eosin [HandE] were examined as regard the presence of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes [TILs] and tumor associated eosinophilic infiltrate [TE]. The number of TILs were larger in earliest stages of colorectal cancers and decreased with the presence of metastasis. The prognosis of carcinomas was better for those with higher eosinophilic infiltration Expression of gelatinase A type of Matrix Metalloproteinases [MMP2] was assessed histochemical in both adenomas and carcinomas. Cytoplasmic expression of MMP-2 is significantly high in colorectal carcinomas [56%] compared to adenomas [20%]. [p=0.006]. A positive relation- ship between MMP-2 expression and tumor grade, Dukes' stage and nodal status was reported. The staining in density of MMP-2 in adenomas was either moderate [50%] or weak [50%]. On the other hand, 28.6% of carcinomas were strongly stained, 39.3% were moderately stained and 32.1% were weakly stained