Evaluation of CD31 expression and mast cell count in dysplastic lesions and squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity

ABSTRACT

Squamous cell carcinoma [SCC] is the most common malignancy in the oral cavity. Angiogenesis is essential for development and progression of SCC. Recently, some studies have reported that mast cells play a role in tumor progression, via promoting angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine CD31 [an endothelial marker] expression and mast cell count in oral dysplastic lesions and SCC. The CD31 expression and mast cell count were investigated in paraffin-embedded specimens of 10 cases of fibroma [control group], 10 cases of epithelial dysplasia, and 20 cases of SCC. CD31 expression was examined by IHC and mast cell count was evaluated by Giemsa staining. The mean of CD31 expression did not show any significant difference between groups, but in the tumors, peritumoral stroma revealed a significantly higher CD31 expression than intratumoral stroma. A significant difference in the mast cell count was observed between the groups and between peri-and intratumoral stroma of SCCs. The mean of CD31 expression and mast cell count did not show any correlation. Pre-and posttreatment studies and double staining methods are suggested for more definitive results: