Analysis of clinical pathological characteristics of high-level squamous endotausal lesions in the postmenopausal cervix / 中国综合临床

Objective:To investigate the clinical pathologic features of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) in postmenopausal women.Methods:The clinical data of hospital patients with HSIL admitted to the Department of Gynecology of The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province from January 2019 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients undergoing liquid-based thin-layer cytology, high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV), colposcopy, cervical biopsy and Endocervical curettage (ECC), pathological diagnosis of HSIL, followed by cold knife conization (CKC). The diagnosis and treatment process conformed to the cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment norms, and there were a total of 594 patients with no previous cervical surgery history,including 463 cases in the premenopausal group and 131 cases in the menopausal group, and the age, contact bleeding, gynecological examination, HR-HPV, liquid-based thin layer cytology, colposcopy and biopsy results, and post-cervical cone surgery pathological results were compared and analyzed, and multivariate Logistic regression analysis was carried out for statistically different factors to identify the clinical pathological characteristics of postmenopausal HSIL patients. T-test was used for the comparison between measurement data groups with normal distribution, and rank sum test was used for the comparison between measurement data groups with non normal distribution. Counting data use χ 2 test or Fisher exact probability method. Logistic regression analysis was used in multivariate analysis. Results:There was no significant difference in the positive rate of contact bleeding (12.98%(17/131)) and HR-HPV (77.86%(102/131)) between postmenopausal group and non postmenopausal group (11.45%(53/463) and 80.56% (373/463))(χ 2 values were 0.23 and 0.46; P values were 0.632 and 0.496). The proportion of cervical columnar epithelium displacement (43.51% (57/131)) and abnormal liquid-based thin-layer cytology (87.79%(115/131)) in the postmenopausal group were lower than those in the non postmenopausal group (64.36%(298/463) and 93.74%(434/463)). There was significant difference between the two groups (χ 2 values were 18.46 and 5.16; P values were < 0.001 and 0.023). The positive rate of ECC (62.60%(82/131)), cervical type Ⅲ transformation area (73.28%(96/131)), the proportion of pathological upgrading after conization (9.92%(13/131)) and the positive rate of cutting edge after conization (24.43%(32/131)) in menopausal group were higher than those in non menopausal patients (46.22%(214/463), 26.78%(124/463), 1.73%(8/463) and 5.40%(25/463)). There were significant differences between the two groups (χ 2 values were 10.95, 94.68, 20.11 and 42.62; P values were 0.001, <0.001, <0.001 and <0.001). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed a high proportion of cervical type Ⅲ transformational zones ( OR=6.569, 95% CI 4.130-10.446), high ECC positivity ( OR=1.978, 95% CI 1.250-3.128), the positive rate of cone incision margins was high ( OR=4.581, 95% CI 2.386-8.794), the proportion of pathological escalation after cone surgery ( OR=4.612, 95% CI 1.557-13.668) and the proportion of smooth cervical appearance were high ( OR=0.464, 95% CI 0.294-0.731), which was the clinicopathological feature of postmenopausal HSIL ( P values were <0.001, 0.004, <0.001, 0.006 and 0.001). Conclusion:There were differences in HSIL in patients before and after menopause, clinical symptoms and screening manifestations were atypical, and lesions are easy to involve the cervical canal, the positive rate of the cut margin after coneectomy was high, and the proportion of pathological escalation was high, so more aggressive intervention should be taken for women diagnosed with precancerous cervical lesions after menopause

Spectrum Of Cervical Lesions By Papaincolau (PAP) Smears, Screening In A Tertiary Care Hospital In Jammu. A 3 Year Retrosceptive Study.

Background:Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer world wide. It is preventable and curable if detected at early stages. Conventional cervical cytology using pap smears is most commonly used cervical screening method throughout the world. The aim of the study is to evaluate and interpret the cervical pap smear cytology in a tertiary care hospital . The interpretation and reporting of the cervical pap smears is based on the Bethesda system. Material and methods: This is a retrosceptive study conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Jammu over a period of 3 years. All the cervical pap smears received in the Department of Pathology, GMC Jammu, in the study period were included (expect menstruating women, pregnant women and women who had undergone hysterectomy). Results: A total of 300 cases were reported in the Cytology section of the Department of Pathology in the study period of three years. Majority of the cases were Negative for Intraepithelial lesions or malignancy(79%). Reactive cellular changes associated with inflammation were the most common finding (71.6%) followed by bacterial vaginosis(3.33%), candiasis(2%) and trichomanas(2%). Epithelial cell abnormality (6.33%) comprised of ASCUS, LSIL,HSIL& SCC. Conclusion : Pap smears is a simple and cost effective screening method to detect various preinvasive cervical lesions. It should be done routinely in all women in reproductive age group.

Estudo da expressão imunohistoquímica de SO2, FGF-10 e WNT-1 em lesões odontogênicas epiteliais benignas / Study of the immunohistochemical expression of SO2, FGF-10 and WNT-1 in benign epithelial odontogenic lesions

Os dentes desenvolvem-se a partir de interações sequenciais entre o epitélio e o mesênquima derivado da crista neural em diferentes estágios de histodiferenciação e morfodiferenciação. Ao final da odontogênese, espera-se que as estruturas que participaram da formação destes tecidos desapareçam ou permaneçam quiescentes. Não é incomum que os remanescentes epiteliais da odontogênese originem lesões, como cistos e tumores odontogênicos. No desenvolvimento dentário precoce, a manutenção das células-tronco é regulada por uma série de fatores de transcrição específicos, que inclui OCT-4, SOX-2, Nanog, Stat-3 e c-Myc e diversos outros genes Homeobox e vias de transcrição (SHH, Wnt/ß-catenina, FGF, BMP) contribuem para o destino e diferenciação celular. No entanto, há a participação destes genes e vias na patogênese de vários tipos de tumores. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a imunoexpressão de SOX2, FGF-10 e Wnt-1 em uma série de casos de lesões odontogênicas e alguns espécimes de germes dentários. A amostra consistiu de 20 Ceratocistos Odontogênicos (CO), 20 Ameloblastomas sólidos (AM), 20 Tumores odontogênicos adenomatoides (TOA), 10 Tumores odontogênico epitelial calcificante (TOEC) e 05 casos de germes dentários usados comparativamente. A imunoexpressão foi avaliada de acordo com o percentual de células epiteliais imunomarcadas e intensidade de células positivas resultando na pontuação de imunomarcação total (PIT) que variou de 0 a 7. A análise da imunoexpressão da SOX2 revelou positividade na maioria dos casos das lesões estudadas. A pontuação de imunomarcação para SOX2 revelou haver diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos de lesões estudadas, com maior frequência em CO e TOEC (p <0,001). Após o pareamento, observou-se diferença significativa entre AM e CO, AM e TOEC, CO e TOA, CO e TOEC e, TOA e TOEC (p <0,05). A análise da imunoexpressão da FGF-10 e Wnt-1 revelou positividade em todos os casos das lesões estudadas, mas sem diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos de lesões estudadas (p = 0,628). Houve diferença significativa em relação aos escores de positividade para Wnt-1 (p <0,001) com maior frequência em CO e TOA. Após o pareamento, observou-se existir diferença estatisticamente significativa entre AM e CO, AM e TOEC, CO e TOEC e, TOA e TOEC (p <0,05). O padrão de expressão de SOX2, FGF-10 e Wnt-1, em germes dentários e nas lesões odontogênicas aqui avaliadas, confirma a participação destas vias na odontogênese e também no desenvolvimento das lesões odontogênicas (AU).

Dental development occurs from sequential interactions between the epithelium and the mesenchyme derived from the neural crest at different stages of histodifferentiation and morphodifferentiation. At the end of tooth development, the structures that participated in the formation of these tissues are expected to disappear or remain quiescent. It is not uncommon that the epithelial remnants of the tooth development originate lesions such as odontogenic cysts and tumors. In early tooth development, stem cell maintenance is regulated by specific transcription factors, which includes OCT-4, SOX-2, Nanog, Stat-3 and c-Myc and several other Homeobox genes and transcription pathways (SHH, Wnt/ß-catenin, FGF, BMP) contribute to cell fate and differentiation. However, there is involvement of these genes and pathways in the pathogenesis of several types of tumors. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the immunoexpression of SOX2, FGF-10 and Wnt-1 in a case series of odontogenic lesions and some specimens of dental germs. The sample consisted of 20 Odontogenic Keratocysts (OK), 20 solid ameloblastomas (AM), 20 adenomatoid odontogenic tumors (AOT), 10 calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumors (CEOT) and 5 dental gerns for comparison. Immunoexpression was evaluated according to the percentage of immunostained epithelial cells and intensity of the positive cells resulting in total immunostaining score (PIT) ranging from 0 to 7. The analysis of SOX2 immunoexpression revealed positivity in most cases of the lesions studied. The immunostaining score for SOX2 revealed a statistically significant difference between the groups of lesions studied, with a higher frequency in OK and CEOT (p < 0.001). After pairing, we observed a significant difference between AM and OK, AM and CEOT, OK and AOT, OK and CEOT, and AOT and CEOT (p <0.05). Analysis of the FGF-10 and Wnt-1 immunoexpression revealed positivity in all cases of the lesions studied, with no statistically significant difference between the groups of lesions studied (p = 0.628). There was a significant difference in relation to the positivity scores for Wnt-1 (p <0.001) with higher frequency in OK and AOT. After pairing, there was a statistically significant difference between AM and OK, AM and CEOT, OK and CEOT and, AOT and CEOT (p <0.05). The expression pattern of SOX2, FGF-10 and Wnt-1 in dental germs and odontogenic lesions evaluated here confirms the participation of these pathways in the tooth development as well as in the development of odontogenic lesions (AU).

Lesiones epiteliales del cérvix en pacientes sin citología alterada en la Isla de la Juventud (2014-2015) / Cervix Epithelial Lesions in Patients with No Altered Cytology in the Isle of Youth (2014-2015)

Introducción: el estudio de las lesiones epiteliales del cérvix constituye una prioridad en la prevención de este cáncer que muestra un incremento evidente de la morbimortalidad, a pesar de programas de pesquiza poblacional. Objetivo: describir el comportamiento de las lesiones epiteliales según variables clínico - epidemiológicas de interés. Métodos: estudio descriptivo retrospectivo para caracterizar el comportamiento de lesiones epiteliales del cuello uterino en las 1 148 pacientes atendidas en la Consulta de Patología de Cuello en el Hospital General Docente de la Isla de la Juventud desde 2014 hasta 2015. Resultados: del total de pacientes, 71 por ciento tenían entre 25 y 51 años de edad, 44 por ciento procede de los Consejos Populares de Santa Fé y Pueblo Nuevo. El inicio de las relaciones sexuales supera los 16 años y el número promedio de partos y abortos no es mayor de dos. Del total, 42 % tenía una citología con infección por el virus del papiloma humano y 30 por ciento acudió por una lesión evidente del cérvix sin una citología alterada y 57 por ciento tenían un área lesional menor a 200 mm2. En los estudios colposcópico e histológico predominaron las lesiones de alto grado con más del 60 por ciento y las lesiones invasoras sólo representaron 4 por ciento. El número de pacientes jóvenes es significativamente alto. No se evidenció un comportamiento anormal de los factores de riesgo clásicos para esta enfermedad. Conclusiones: los resultados de este estudio pueden servir de base para trazar estrategias locales del Sistema de Salud encaminadas a la disminución de la morbimortalidad por cáncer en el territorio(AU)

Introduction: The study of cervix epithelial lesions is a priority in preventing this type of cancer because of the evident morbidity and mortality increase, despite population screening programs. Objective: To describe epithelial lesion behavior according to clinical - epidemiological variables of interest. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted to characterize the cervix epithelial lesion behavior in 1148 patients treated in the Consultation of Neck Pathology at the General Teaching Hospital of the Isle of Youth from 2014 to 2015. Results: 71 percent of the total number of patients aged between 25 and 51 years, 44 percent came from Santa Fé and Pueblo Nuevo territories. These subjects' first sexual relations were after they were 16 and the average number of deliveries and abortions is less than two. Forty-two percent had human papillomavirus infection confirmed by cytology. Thirty percent came to consultation for an obvious cervix lesion with no cytology altered. Fifty-seven percent had a lesion area less than 200 mm2. The colposcopy and histological studies, high-grade lesions predominated in more than 60 percent. Invasive lesions only represented 4 percent. The number of young patients is significantly high. There was no evidence of abnormal behavior of this disease's classic risk factors. Conclusions: The results of this study can serve as a basis to draw local strategies for the Health System aiming to reduce morbidity and mortality from cancer in the territory(AU)

Diffuse Swelling of Salivary and Lacrimal Glands as a First and only Manifestation of Non-Hodgkin B-Cell Lymphoma: A Case Report.

Lymphoma is the third most common cancer worldwide. Oral cavity Lymphoma forms 3% of all lymphomas in the general population. This is a case report of non Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma in 60 –year-old black male who was diagnosed earlier as having benign lympho-epithelial lesions of salivary and lacrimal glands. The patient was complaining of painless symmetrical facial swelling of the parotid, submandibular and lacrimal glands. Serological findings were negative for antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-SS-A and anti-SS-B antibodies. Bilateral surgical excision of disfiguring buccal swollen salivary gland revealed a B-cell lymphoma. Chemotherapy started and dramatic response was noticed with total disappearance of all lacrimal and salivary gland swelling.

Use of colposcopy for diagnosing oral mucosal lesions: An illusion or a realistic possibility.

As oral physicians, we come across many oral mucosal lesions that usually require a supplementary biopsy with histopathologic examination to establish a definite diagnosis. The selection of the site for biopsy is the most important criteria to arrive at a correct diagnosis. As biopsy site is a subjective choice, it is possible that the biopsy specimens are taken from unrepresentative areas of the lesion. At present, though there are simple chair side methods to aid the diagnosis of such changes, there is a high risk of false positives. Hence, there is a need of a simple and reliable method for selecting the most appropriate area for biopsy. One such method is colposcopy that may be beneficial as compared to routine clinical examination. Hence, this article stresses on the colposcopic method that can be used to select biopsy sites which should be evaluated in further clinical studies.

Colposcopy: Gynecological vision in viewing oral lesions.

Context: The diagnosis of malignant and potentially malignant epithelial lesions of the oral mucosa cannot be based solely on clinical fi ndings. The histologic evaluation of a representative biopsy specimen thus becomes necessary. The site for biopsy however is always a subjective choice that sometimes raises doubts about its representativeness. So far, no simple and reliable method is available for the selection of the most appropriate area for biopsy. Colposcopy is helpful in the selection of these sites of epithelial dysplasia depending upon the vascular patterns. Aims: This study was planned to assess the role of Colposcopic examination in the selection of biopsy site in patients with varying grades of oral epithelial dysplasia at various sites. Settings and Design: One hundred and eighty patients between the ages of 30 and 60 years clinically diagnosed with leukoplakia and carcinoma buccal mucosa were included in the study. Materials and Methods: For each of the subjects, a thorough clinical examination followed by Colposcopic assessment was carried out for the selection of biopsy site from the involved mucosa. The histopathological fi ndings were then compared in the two cases and results analyzed. Statistical Analysis Used: The statistical analysis was performed using a paired t-test. Results: In our study, sensitivity and specifi city for the selection of biopsy site by Colposcopic examination was found to be higher for leukoplakia than for carcinoma buccal mucosa. Conclusions: It was concluded that Colposcopic examination was found to be signifi cant in the selection of biopsy site for leukoplakia while clinical criterion was found to be more appropriate for carcinoma buccal mucosa cases.

Estandarización en la observación y clasificación de lesiones epiteliales premalignas y malignas / Standardization in the observation and classification of premalignant and malignant epithelial lesions

Los criterios histológicos para determinar el grado de displasia, la clasificación de Broders y el frente de invasión tumoral (FIT) son parámetros subjetivos no cuantificables que pueden indicar el grado de evolución de displasias y carcinomas. Un factor importante a considerar durante la valoración histológica, es la variabilidad del diagnóstico entre patólogos. El objetivo es estandarizar los criterios y determinar la variabilidad intra e inter observador en el diagnóstico de displasias y COCE. Se seleccionaron y estandarizaron los criterios morfológicos para el diagnóstico y se revisaron los casos seleccionados aleatoriamente por tres patólogos bucales (30 displasias y 30 carcinomas) del Laboratorio de Patología Clínica y Experimental de la DEPeI de la FO, UNAM. Cada patólogo analizó y registró los parámetros establecidos para displasia, COCE y FIT en 2 ocasiones. Se aplicó el test Kappa para valorar la concordancia intra e inter observador. El Observador 1 v/s el 2 obtuvo una concordancia para COCE de 0,75 y en displasias de 0,60 e intraobservador de 0,90. El observador 2 v/s el 3 presentó una concordancia para COCE de 0,75 y en displasias de 0,59 e intraobservador de 0,91. El Observador 3 Vs el 1 tuvo una concordancia para COCE de 0,77, y en displasias de 0,59 e intraobservador de 0,92. La concordancia intraobservador e interobservador en COCE fue de buena a excelente, pero en displasias fue aceptable confirmando que su evaluación presenta mayor grado de dificultad. Con una adecuada estandarización se puede obtener una buena concordancia entre patólogos.

In the histological criteria for determining the degree of dysplasia, the Broders classification and the front of tumor invasion (FTI) are unquantifiable subjective parameters that may indicate the degree of development of carcinomas. An important factor to consider during the histological evaluation is the variability in the diagnosis of pathologists. The objective to standardize criteria and determine the intra and inter-observer variability in the diagnosis of dysplasias and OSCC. We selected and standardized morphological criteria for the diagnosis, and the cases were reviewed randomly by three oral pathologists (30 dysplasias and 30 carcinomas) from the Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology of the FO DEPeI, UNAM. Each pathologist analyzed and recorded the parameters for dysplasia and OSCC FIT on two occasions. Kappa test was applied to assess intra and inter-observer agreement. Observer 1 v/s 2 match for OSCC was 0.75, 0.60 for dysplasias and intra observer 0.90. Observer 2 v/s 3 presented a concordance of 0.75 for OSCC, 0.59 for dysplasias and intra-observer 0.91. Observer 3 v/s observer 1 for OSCC was 0.77, 0.59 for dysplasias and intra-observer 0.92. Intra observer and inter-observer concordance in OSCC were good or excellent, but in dysplasia was acceptable, confirming that its assessment showed the greatest difficulty with proper standardization we can obtain a better consensus between pathologists.

Técnica de incisión submucosa para estudio histológico de lesiones subepiteliales gastroesofágicas / Submucous resection for histological study of gastroesophageal subepithelial

Subepithelial lesions are a frequent finding in the upper gatrointestinal tract. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is the preferred procedure to characterize these lesions, but in case of a hypoechogenic image, this technique does not differentiate between leiomyoma and a potentially malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). The diagnosis is determined by histological study and immunohistochemistry (IHC), but endoscopic sampling and EUS-guided techniques have efficiency below 60 percent. Objective: To assess the performance of submucous resection and Jumbo biopsy forceps technique, to access esophageal subepithelial lesions and sampling for histology and IHC. Methods: Endosonographic assessment of the subepithelial lesion. Biopsy samples of tissue were obtained with Jumbo biopsy forceps for histology and IHC. Results: Seven patients were evaluated. Age: 54.8 years (range 32-69), 5 esophageal lesions and 2 gastric lesions, maximum diameter of 15.6 mm (range 10-20). The procedure was successful in all patients, no complications were seen. Histology showed that all esophageal lesions were leiomyomas, CD 117 and CD 34 were negative in the selected patients (4 of 4). Gastric lesions corresponded to a heterotopic pancreas and one GIST with positive reaction to CD 117 and CD 34. Discussion: The described technique is useful to obtain histology and IHC diagnosis of esophageal subepithelial lesions. Prospective studies are necessary to compare these techniques with EUS-guided techniques.

Las lesiones subepiteliales son un hallazgo frecuente en el tubo digestivo alto. La ultrasonografía endoscópica (USE) es el examen de elección para caracterizarlas, pero frente a una imagen hipoecogénica no diferencia entre un leiomioma y un tumor estromal gastrointestinal (GIST) potencialmente maligno. El diagnóstico se establece con estudio histológico e inmunohistoquímica (IHQ) pero la obtención de muestra por vía endoscópica y las técnicas guiadas por USE tienen un rendimiento que no supera el 60 por ciento. Objetivo: Evaluar el rendimiento de la técnica de incisión submucosa y biopsia con pinza jumbo, para acceso a lesiones subepiteliales esofágicas o gástrricas y obtención de muestras para estudio histológico e IHQ. Métodos: Se realiza evaluación endosonográfica de la lesión subepitelial seguido de incisión de mucosa y submucosa con papilótomo de punta para acceso a la lesión. Se toman muestras de tejido con pinza Jumbo, para estudio histológico e IHQ. Resultados: Se evaluaron 7 pacientes, edad 54,8 años (32-69), 5 lesiones esofágicas y 2 gástricas, diámetro máximo de 15,6 mm (rango 10-20). El procedimiento fue exitoso en todos los pacientes, sin complicaciones. En el estudio histológico todas las lesiones esofágicas correspondieron a leiomiomas, CD 117 y Cd 34 negativo en los pacientes en que fue solicitado (4 de 4). Las lesiones gástricas correspondieron a un páncreas heterotópico y un GIST con reacción positiva para CD 117 y CD 34. Discusión: La técnica descrita es útil para obtener diagnóstico histológico e IHQ de lesiones esofagogástricas subepiteliales. Estudios prospectivos son necesarios para compararlas con técnicas guiadas por USE.

Coin-shaped epithelial lesions following an acute attack of erythema multiforme minor with confocal microscopy findings.

We report an interesting ocular finding of bilateral multiple coin-shaped epithelial lesions along with the confocal microscopy findings in a patient following an acute attack of erythema multiforme (EM) minor. A 30-year-old male presented with a history of watering and irritation in both eyes of three days duration. He was diagnosed to have EM minor and was on oral acyclovir. Slit-lamp examination revealed multiple coin-shaped epithelial lesions. Confocal microscopy showed a corresponding conglomerate of hyper-reflective epithelial lesions. The corneal lesions resolved over six weeks with oral steroids and acyclovir. An immunological mechanism is suspected.

Angiogenesis in Squamous Epithelial Lesionsof the Uterine Cervix / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Since Folkman's novel hypothesis, it is well known that tumors depend on the angiogenesis for their growth, expansion, and possibly metastasis. Several angiogenic factors have been identified and shown to be produced by tumors. In some cancers, the angoigenic activity in the tumor is correlated with the clinical outcome. Clinically, the presence of macroscopic or colposcopic abnormal vascular patterns of the uterine cervical lesions would suggest that the angiogenic activities are associated with various cervical squamous epithelial lesions. This study was designed to look at the relationship between angiogenesis and squamous epithelial lesions of the uterine cervix and to determine whether squamous intraepithelial lesions are angiogenic as cervical cancers are. Tissue sections from 53 surgical specimens(6 normal cervix, 4 chronic cervictis, 9 low grade SII, 8 high grade SIL, 7 MIC, 19 squamous cell carcinoma) were immunohistochemically stained for CD 34 a specific marker for endothelial cels. Stained vessels in the most intense area on a X200 light microscopic field were selected and counted automatically using computer software for color-image analysis. Stained vessel counts were 19.7 +/- 9.1 in normal cervix, 33.5 +/-5.8 in chronic cervicitis, 38.8 +/- 10.9 in LGSIL, 67.0 +/- 23.6 in HGSIL, and 73.4 +/- 20.6 in microinvasive carcinoma, 77.8 +/- 28.7 in squamous cell carcinoma, respectively. Vessel counts showed a statistically increasing tendency in more advanced squamous epithelial lesins. Tumor angiogenesis is not related to inflammatory response. Also, the process of the angiogenic switching may begin from low grade SIL to high grade SIL. This study suggests that the angiogenic activity also involved in SILs as invasive cancer are and may be related to grade of SELs.

Type IV Collagen and E-cadherin Expression of Progressive Uterine Cervical Epithelial Lesions / 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the role and the value as progression markers, of type IV collagen and E-cadherin in the pathogenesis of progressive uterine cervical epithelial lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Materials examined were 4 cases of normal exocervical squamous epithelium, 9 of endocervical squamous metaplasias, 2 of mild dysplasias, 8 of moderate dysplasias, 15 of severe dysplasias, 12 of carcinoma in situ, 7 of microinvasive squamous cell carcinomas, and 4 cases of invasive squamous cell carcinomas. All of them were biopsied ones and products of conization and hysterectomy. The expression of type IV collagen and E-cadherin in uterine cervical epithelial lesions were studied by immunohistochemical method using monoclonal antibodies to type IV collagen and E-cadherin. RESULTS: The expression of type IV collagen decreased relatively stepwise from squamous metaplasias to cervical intraepithelial neoplasias (CIN) and subsequently to invasive carcinomas. The expression of type IV collagen in normal uterine exocervical squamous epithelium was within normal range in contrast to variable expression in squamous metaplasia. There was no definite difference in expression pattern between early invasive carcinoma and advanced invasive carcinomas. Normal and squamous metaplastic epithelium of uterine cervix revealed membranous expression of E-cadherin and cervical intraepithelial lesions showed cytoplasmic expression or negative expression instead of membranous expression. There was clearcut difference in E-cadherin expression between normal or metaplastic epithelium and neoplastic lesions. CONCLUSION: The change of type IV collagen expression could be an early marker in the progression of uterine cervical epithelial lesions from normal epithelium. And the loss of differentiaton and polarity and the deranged expression of E-cadherin are closely correlated on the basis of the result that the changed expression of E-cadherin was evident in the stage of transition from normal to neoplastic lesions.