The Significance of CD44v3 Expression in Squamous Cell Lesions of the Larynx / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It is known that a part of laryngeal premalignant lesions progresses to an invasive carcinoma. Despite many previous reports, conventional histology is not sufficient to predict such tumor progression. Herein, the authors investigated the role of CD44v3 as a biomarker in predicting the progression of laryngeal premalignant lesion to an inavasive cancer. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Paraffin-embedded tissue specimens from 40 patients were diagnosed accordingly as laryngeal invasive squamous cell carcinoma (n=10), Carcinoma in situ (n=10), dysplasia (n=10), and hyperkeratosis (n=10) between 1993 and 2002. They were immunohistochemically stained for CD44v3 protein. RESULTS: In invasive squamous cell carcinoma, the expression of CD44v3 was diffused and gave a strong positive stain, and in carcinoma in situ, it was diffused and gave 3+-2+ stain. However, in dysplasia and hyperkeratosis, the proportion of CD44v3 expression was decreased by 2+-1+, and 1+-0, respectively. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the expression of CD44v3 in laryngeal premalignant and malignant lesions can be associated with tumorigenesis and invasion. Those strong positive expressions of CD44v3 may represent more aggressive pathology of the larynx.

Dedifferentiation in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Neck / 대한이비인후과학회지

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary gland is an indolent tumor with an unfavorable long-term prognosis. Dedifferentiation of adenoid cystic carcinoma, which is associated with an accelerated clinical course, has recently been described. Histologically, the low-grade adenoid cystic carcinoma merge gradually into an extensive dedifferentiated component composed of solid sheets and cords of anaplastic tumor cells with focal gland formation. We experienced dedifferentiation in adenoid cystic carcinoma of the submandibular gland and report it with a review of the literature and immunohistochemical workup to elucidate the likely mechanism of dedifferentiation.

Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 and Matrix Metalloproteinases in Sinonasal Tumor / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been associated with tumor cell invasion and metastasis by mediating the degradation of extracellular matrix components. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays an important role in promotion of carcinogenesis, tumor invasiveness and angiogenesis. Recently, some investigators have reported that COX-2 could promote secretion of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Therefore, an interrelation between MMPs and the associated COX-2 may play a significant role in the invasive phenotype of malignant tumors. In the present study, the authors investigated the correlation between expressions of COX-2 and MMPs. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Immunohistochemical staining of MMP-2, -3 and -9, and COX-2 were performed on paraffin-embedded tissue sections of 51 nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses tumors (27 inverted papillomas, 5 inverted papillomas with malignant transformation, and 19 squamous cell carcinomas). Co-expression of these MMPs and COX-2 was visualized with confocal laser scanning microscope. RESULTS: MMP-2, -3 and -9 were found mainly in malignant lesions in concert with COX-2. However, the co-expressions of MMP-2 and COX-2, MMP-9 and COX-2 were detected with significance. CONCLUSION: These results suggest a potentially important role for COX-2 in the regulation of MMPs, malignant transformation, and progression of squamous cell carcinoma, and it points out the potential use of COX-2 inhibitors, in the prevention and treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.

Leiomyosarcoma of the Larynx / 대한이비인후과학회지

Leiomyosarcoma is a malignant tumor that originates in the smooth muscle tissues and represents 5-10% of all soft-tissue sarcomas. It is most often found in the uterus, retroperitoneum, wall of the gastrointestinal tract, and subcutaneous tissue. Leiomyosarcomas of the larynx are extremely rare. Recently, we experienced a case of leiomyosarcoma of the larynx in a 82- year-old man who was considered initially to have as a benign tumor. Therefore we report a case of leiomyosarcoma of the larynx with a review of literature.

A Study on the Expression of Transforming Growth Factor-alpha, Epidermal GrowthFactor and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Thyroid Tumors / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cell proliferation and differentiation are regulated by growth factors and growth factor receptors. Inappropriate expressions of growth factors and altered responsiveness of growth factor receptors may influence the biological and clinical phenotype of tumor. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between the expressions of TGF-alpha, EGF, EGFR and clinical behaviors in thyroid tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The material consisted of 19 papillary carcinomas, 8 follicular carcinomas, 6 anaplastic carcinomas, 8 follicular adenomas and 5 normal thyroid tissues. The authors performed immunohistochemical staining for TGF-alpha, EGF and EGFR. RESULTS: Positive staining for TGF-alpha was found in 84.2% of papillary carcinomas, 100% of follicular carcinomas, 83.3% of anaplastic carcinomas and 25% of follicular adenomas. EGF was positive in 57.8% of papillary carcinomas, 25% of follicular carcinomas, 0% of anaplastic carcinomas and 25% of follicular adenomas. EGFR was positive in 52.6% of papillary carcinomas, 85.7% of follicular carcinomas, 83.3% of anaplastic carcinomas and 75% of follicular adenomas. There was no statistical relationship between regional lymph node metastasis, primary tumor size, patient's age and positive expression rates for TGF-alpha, EGF and EGFR. CONCLUSION: TGF-alpha expression was statistically higher in the malignant thyroid tumors than in benign thyroid tumors. However, the expression of EGFR was shown to be higher in thyroid tumors than in the normal thyroid tissues, but there was no statistical difference between benign and malignant tumors. EGF expressions demonstrated no statistical significance in thyroid tumors.

A Case of Nasopharyngeal Mesenchymoma / 대한이비인후과학회지

The benign mesenchymoma, in which fibrous tissue is accompanied by two or more mesencymal components, occurs very rarely in the head and neck area. The majority appear in patients under 25 years of age, most commonly in the subcutaneous scalp, cheek, or tongue. There is a 20% recurrence rate. Wide surgical excision is the treatment of choice. We report a case of mesenchymoma in the nasopharynx which was removed by transpalatine approach with a brief review of literature.