ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the involvement of E-cadherin-catenin adhesion system in Bowen's disease (BD) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifteen normal skin, 28 BD and 18 SCC specimens were stained with monoclonal antibodies against E-cadherin and beta-catenin. Evaluation of the staining results was performed with semi-quantification of the pattern and intensity of staining, percentage of positive cells, and cytoplasmic staining.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Normal skins strongly expressed membranous E-cadherin and beta-catenin, but their expression was remarkably reduced in BD and SCC. Abnormal staining of beta-catenin was observed in the cytoplasm or cell nuclei of BD and SCC.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Abnormal expression of the E-cadherin/catenin complex is common in SCC and BD.</p>