bromochloroacetic-acid and Tongue-Neoplasms

Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Aged; Carcinoma, Adenosquamous; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Keratins; Membrane Proteins; Tongue Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Adult; Biopsy; Cell Nucleus; Cytoplasm; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Keratin-7; Keratins; Male; Mucin-1; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; Sarcoma, Synovial; Tongue Neoplasms; Translocation, Genetic; Vimentin

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon primarily dermal malignancy of relatively aggressive biologic course. Several presentations in the mucosa of the head and neck region have been reported in the literature, and 3 such patients have recently been seen at our institution. We review this recent experience and present the first reported primary lingual MCC in a 57-year-old caucasian man. We provide a review of oral mucosal MCC and guidelines for histopathologic and immunohistochemical diagnosis. Merkel cell carcinoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of head and neck mucosal lesions, especially if the tumor is submucosal, and MCC may involve the tongue. Mucosal MCC is aggressive, and there is a high risk for local recurrence and regional and distant metastasis. Fulminating courses are often seen. We discuss our treatment policies based on the current literature.

Topics: Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Carcinoma, Merkel Cell; Chromogranin A; Chromogranins; Fatal Outcome; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Keratin-20; Keratins; Lip Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Mouth Mucosa; Phosphopyruvate Hydratase; Synaptophysin; Tongue Neoplasms

To describe a case of alveolar soft-part sarcoma (ASPS) affecting the tongue of a child and to study prognostic imunohistochemical markers for the disease.. Tissue sections were incubated with primary antibodies reactive to neuron-specific enolase (NSE), vimentin, desmin, S-100 protein, cytokeratins AE1-AE3, EMA, neurofilament, synaptophysin, and muscle-specific actin (MSA), and for prognostic markers, including Ki-67, p53, bcl-2, bax, and nm23.. Histologically, the tumor showed a proliferation of large polygonal cells with PAS-positive diastase-resistant intracytoplasmatic material, arranged in an alveolar growth pattern. Diffuse positive reaction for neuron specific enolase (NSE), focal reactivity for desmin and S-100 protein, strong positivity for nm23 and bax, but weak reaction for p53 and Ki-67 were found. No bcl-2-positive cells were noted.. These immunohistochemical findings may reflect the less aggressive behavior of ASPS in oral tissues.

Topics: Actins; Adolescent; Antigens, Neoplasm; bcl-2-Associated X Protein; Biomarkers, Tumor; Desmin; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Ki-67 Antigen; Mucin-1; Neurofilament Proteins; NM23 Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinases; Nucleoside-Diphosphate Kinase; Phosphopyruvate Hydratase; Prognosis; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; S100 Proteins; Sarcoma, Alveolar Soft Part; Synaptophysin; Tongue Neoplasms; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; Vimentin

Soft tissue myoepitheliomas, in contrast to salivary gland myoepitheliomas, are benign neoplasms that typically occur in the soft tissues of the extremities. Both are characterized by a multilobular proliferation of polygonal to fusiform cells embedded in a variably myxoid to chondromyxoid matrix. A histologically similar lesion that has a marked predilection for the anterior dorsum of the tongue has been referred to as ectomesenchymal chondromyxoid tumor. The morphological and immunohistochemical resemblance of soft tissue myoepitheliomas to ectomesenchymal chondromyxoid tumors has led to the use of these designations interchangeably. We present a case of myoepithelioma of the tongue and review the literature, with emphasis on the differential diagnosis and histogenesis of this lesion and pertinent nosologic considerations.

Topics: Adult; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Membrane Proteins; Myoepithelioma; S100 Proteins; Tongue Neoplasms

Topics: Actin Cytoskeleton; Aged; Basement Membrane; Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic; Cytoplasmic Granules; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Microvilli; Mitochondria; S100 Proteins; Salivary Gland Neoplasms; Salivary Glands, Minor; Solitary Pulmonary Nodule; Tongue Neoplasms

True malignant mixed tumor (TMMT) of salivary glands, with both carcinomatous and sarcomatous components, is exceedingly rare. We offer a case of TMMT in a 79-yr-old man, which may represent the first report example of this unusual neoplasm arising in the tongue. The carcinomatous component was mainly of solid basaloid carcinoma with focal glandular differentiation, while the sarcomatous component was composed of pleomorphic elements such as chondrosarcoma, myxosarcoma and fibrosarcoma. Carcinoma cells at the periphery of solid nests occasionally merged into these sarcomatous elements. Immunohistochemically, basaloid carcinoma cells showed positive reaction for both low molecular weight cytokeratin and S-100 protein, whereas carcinoma cells lining ductal spaces were positive for a wide spectrum of keratin and EMA. The sarcomatous elements revealed the presence of vimentin and S-100 protein. Ultrastructurally, basal lamina-like material and/or mucoid precipitates often accumulated separating the tumor cells from each other singly or into a few cell group. Some sarcomatous cells assumed the myoepithelial features, such as the presence of microfilament bundles with dense bodies and pinocytotic vesicles along the cell periphery. These findings may indicate that TMMT shares a common histogenesis with pleomorphic adenoma.

Topics: Actin Cytoskeleton; Adenoma, Pleomorphic; Aged; Carcinosarcoma; Desmosomes; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Male; S100 Proteins; Tongue Neoplasms; Vimentin

Topics: Adult; Desmin; Female; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Intermediate Filaments; Keratins; Lip Neoplasms; Neoplasms, Multiple Primary; Neoplasms, Muscle Tissue; Phosphopyruvate Hydratase; S100 Proteins; Tongue Neoplasms; Vimentin

A case of spindle cell squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue in a 4-year-old boy is presented. The diagnosis is supported by immunohistochemical demonstration of cytokeratins within the tumor cells. The authors believe this report represents the first case of "nonkeratinizing" spindle cell squamous carcinoma of the tongue in the first decade of life.

Topics: Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Child, Preschool; Humans; Keratins; Male; Tongue Neoplasms

Ten cell lines established from surgical specimens of human squamous carcinomas of the tongue and larynx have been investigated with respect to their motility, ultrastructure, karyotypes, certain biochemical features, interaction with normal epithelial and stromal elements and capacity to infiltrate three-dimensional organoid systems. All the cell lines have maintained several morphological and biochemical characteristics indicating a common origin, although the extent to which each line displays this heritage is variable. The phenotypes of each of the individual cell lines are, however, notably stable. Data are provided for epithelial surface markers (including epidermal growth factor, EGF) and for the synthesis and release of prostaglandins and proteases which may be involved in invasive mechanisms. Encounters between the cell lines and organoid substrata (embryonic chick heart spheroids, human amnion, chick chorioallantoic membrane) are described: the results indicate a scale of invasiveness ranging from lack of penetration to full-thickness infiltration by cells showing various distinctive growth patterns. Correlation between in vitro and in vivo findings is discussed, and it is suggested that the biological heterogeneity of the lines may reflect inherent properties of the original carcinoma cell populations which are more distinctly expressed in vitro.

Topics: Aged; Animals; Bone and Bones; Calcium-Binding Proteins; Carcinoembryonic Antigen; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cartilage; Cell Communication; Cell Line; Cell Movement; Chick Embryo; Epidermal Growth Factor; Female; Humans; Karyotyping; Keratins; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Male; Membrane Proteins; Microscopy, Electron; Middle Aged; Mucin-1; Tongue Neoplasms

Occult neck metastasis is an important prognostic factor in patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) who are deemed clinically negative for neck metastasis. The purpose of this study was to identify predictive factors for occult neck metastasis arising from TSCC and to determine patient prognosis. Ninety-seven patients with cT2N0 TSCC who underwent surgical resection of their primary lesion as initial therapy were enrolled in this retrospective study. Cutoff values for depth of invasion (≥3.3 mm) and the tumor budding score (≥4) were determined using receiver operator characteristic analyses. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that a tumor budding score ≥4 is a significant independent predictive factor for the occurrence of occult neck metastasis, which in turn is a significant independent prognostic factor. When evaluating tumor budding, we demonstrated greater interobserver and intraobserver agreement when using immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratin AE1/AE3 than with hematoxylin and eosin staining (HE). We conclude that the evaluation of tumor budding is effective for identifying populations at high risk of occult neck metastasis, which will enable the planning of appropriate therapeutic strategies for patients with cT2N0 TSCC. Furthermore, cytokeratin staining is recommended over HE staining for simpler and more accurate evaluation of tumor budding.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers, Tumor; Cell Movement; Female; Glossectomy; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neoplasm Staging; Observer Variation; Predictive Value of Tests; Reproducibility of Results; Retrospective Studies; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; Staining and Labeling; Tongue Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome

Ectomesenchymal chondromyxoid tumor is a rare and benign neoplasm with a predilection for the anterior dorsal tongue. Despite morphologic heterogeneity, most cases are characterized by a proliferation of bland spindle cells with a distinctive reticular growth pattern and myxoid stroma. The immunophenotype of these neoplasms is likewise variable; most cases express glial fibrillary acid protein and S100 protein, with inconsistent reports of keratin and myoid marker expression. The molecular pathogenesis is poorly understood; however, a subset of cases has been reported to harbor EWSR1 gene rearrangement. Following identification of an RREB1-MKL2 fusion gene by RNA Sequencing in an index patient, a retrospective review of additional cases of ectomesenchymal chondromyxoid tumors was performed to better characterize the clinical, immunohistochemical, and molecular attributes of this neoplasm. A total of 21 cases were included in this series. A marked predisposition for the dorsal tongue was confirmed. Most cases conformed to prior morphologic descriptions; however, hypercellularity, hyalinized stroma, and necrosis were rare attributes not previously emphasized. The neoplastic cells frequently coexpressed glial fibrillary acid protein, S100 protein, keratin, smooth muscle actin, and/or desmin; a single case was found to contain significant myogenin expression. An RREB1-MKL2 fusion product was identified in 19 tumors (90%), a single tumor (5%) had an EWSR1-CREM fusion product, and the remaining case lacked any known fusion gene by RNA Sequencing. The latter 2 cases subtly differed morphologically from many in the cohort. This series illustrates that recurrent RREB1-MKL2 fusions occur in most, perhaps all, cases of ectomesenchymal chondromyxoid tumor.

Topics: Actins; Adolescent; Adult; Biomarkers, Tumor; Desmin; DNA-Binding Proteins; Female; Gene Fusion; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; Keratins; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasms, Connective and Soft Tissue; Phenotype; Retrospective Studies; S100 Proteins; Sequence Analysis, RNA; Tongue Neoplasms; Transcription Factors; Young Adult

Granular cell tumor is a rare benign tumor that can present a pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia of the covering epithelium. This lesion is not encapsulated and can be characterized by a pseudo invasive growth pattern, represented by the tumoral cells that infiltrate between adjacent connective tissue elements. Diagnostic difficulties may arise because histopathological features of the pronounced pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia can be confused with a well-differentiated oral squamous cell carcinoma. The aim of this case report is to demonstrate the role of an immunohistochemical panel in the diagnosis of a granular cell tumor in the tongue with clinical and microscopic features resembling an oral squamous cell carcinoma.. A 44-year-old white man with a history of heavy smoking and alcohol abuse presented an ulcerated nodular lesion in the dorsum of the tongue. The lesion was asymptomatic with fast growth. The clinical diagnosis was an oral squamous cell carcinoma. An incisional biopsy was performed and the ensuing histopathological analysis showed a pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia in the overlying epithelium mimicking the invasion of epithelial tumor cells into the connective tissue as in an oral squamous cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemical antibodies (S-100, vimentin, CD68, p53, Ki-67, E-cadherin, collagen IV and cytokeratin AE1/AE3) were used to characterize molecular aspects of the lesion. Strong staining of S-100 protein, CD68, vimentin, E-cadherin and low proliferative activity observed with Ki-67 expression confirmed the diagnosis of a granular cell tumor. The patient was submitted to surgical excision of the whole lesion. At a 12-month check-up, there was no evidence of recurrence.. This case report showed that the immunohistochemical profile was helpful in determining the clinical behavior of the tumor and establishing the final diagnosis with appropriate treatment.

Topics: Adult; Antigens, CD; Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic; Cadherins; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Collagen Type IV; Granular Cell Tumor; Humans; Hyperplasia; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Ki-67 Antigen; Male; S100 Proteins; Tongue; Tongue Neoplasms; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; Vimentin

Oral cancer is aggressive and invasive. The 5-year survival rate is around 50% and has not improved in over 50 years. One-third of oral cancer patients develop local and/or regional tumor recurrence following treatment. We continue to use our multicellular spheroid (MCS) model to better understand how the extracellular matrix contributes to epithelial to mesenchymal transition and how hypoxia contributes to the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Topics: Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cell Hypoxia; Cell Line, Tumor; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition; Fibronectins; Humans; Keratins; Models, Theoretical; Spheroids, Cellular; Tongue Neoplasms; Vimentin

Squamous cell carcinoma (SSC) of the head and neck is the sixth most common cancer and is rarely diagnosed in early stages. The transcription factor Krϋppel-like factor 4 (Klf4) suppresses cell proliferation and promotes differentiation. Inducible mice carrying an oral-specific ablation of Klf4 (K14-CreER(tam) /Klf4(flox/flox) ) develop mild dysplastic lesions and abnormal differentiation in the tongue. Aiming to analyze whether Klf4 cooperate in oral chemical carcinogenesis,we applied 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO), a tobacco surrogate, to this conditional Klf4 knockout mice.. K14-CreER(tam) /Klf4(flox/flox) and control mice were treated with 4NQO for 16 weeks and monitored until week 30. Histopathological samples were used for diagnostic purposes and immunofluorescence detection of epithelial differentiation markers.. 4NQO-treated K14-CreER(tam) /Klf4(flox/flox) mice (Klf4KO 4NQO) showed a significant weight loss and developed more severe dysplastic lesions than control mice with 4NQO (P < 0.005). The Klf4KO 4NQO showed a tendency to higher incidence of oral SCC and a marked keratinization pattern in dysplasias, in situ carcinomas and SCC. Also, tongues derived from Klf4KO 4NQO mice exhibited reduced terminal differentiation as judged by cytokeratin 1 staining when compared with 4NQO-treated controls.. Klf4 ablation results in more severe dysplastic lesions in oral mucosa, with a tendency to higher incidence of SCC, after chemical carcinogenesis. We show here, in a context similar to the human carcinogenesis, that absence of Klf4 accelerates carcinogenesis and correlates with the absence of cytokeratin 1 expression. These results suggest a potential role for KLF4 as a tumor suppressor gene for the tongue epithelium.

Topics: 4-Nitroquinoline-1-oxide; Animals; Carcinogenesis; Carcinogens; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cell Differentiation; Disease Models, Animal; Gene Expression; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Keratins; Kruppel-Like Factor 4; Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Mouth Mucosa; Mouth Neoplasms; Precancerous Conditions; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; Tongue Neoplasms

Cancer chemoprevention is defined as the use of chemicals or dietary components to block, inhibit, or reverse the development of cancer in normal or pre-neoplastic tissue. Mentha extract (ME) has antioxidant and antiperoxidant properties. This study was held to investigate the protective and anticancer effect of Mentha leaves aqueous extract on oral epithelium of mice tongues.. A total of 80 Egyptian albino mice were divided into three groups. Group I served as control (not subjected to any kind of treatment), and groups II and III were subjected to two-stage chemical carcinogenesis through topical application of dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) followed by formaldehyde on dorsal and ventral surfaces of tongues for 9 weeks. Mentha leaves extract was administrated to group III at the same time of cancer induction. Histological changes were assessed in H&E sections at 3-week intervals. The anticarcinogenic effect of Mentha piperita was tested using immunostain with anticaspase antibody.. The oral administration of ME reduced the appearance of dysplastic cellular changes with 61% and inhibited tumor incidence with 100%. Group I showed moderate-to-strong cytoplasmic caspase expression. At 6-week interval, group II showed weak-to-moderate caspase expression, while sections from group III showed moderate-to-strong caspase expression. High significant statistical difference in the total score of caspase 3 expression was found between specimens obtained from animals sacrificed at 6 weeks in groups I, II, and III (P = 0.001**).. Our study demonstrated that Mentha piperita has inhibited the initiation and promotion of oral dysplastic lesions.

Topics: 9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene; Animals; Anticarcinogenic Agents; Antioxidants; Basement Membrane; Carcinogenesis; Carcinogens; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Caspase 3; Chemoprevention; Connective Tissue; Epithelium; Formaldehyde; Hyperplasia; Keratins; Male; Mentha piperita; Mice; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Protective Agents; Tongue; Tongue Neoplasms

Lymph node metastasis is a prominent clinical feature of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) and is associated with a higher mortality rate. Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a major component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), play an important role in tumor progression, and are associated with a poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to examine the role of CAFs in promoting the invasion of TSCC through the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT).. A series of matched CAF and normal fibroblast (NF) pairs were assessed for cell morphology and for the expression of alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF1), fibroblast-activating protein (FAP), vimentin, and cytokeratin (CK) markers. Transwell assays, Western blot analysis, reverse transcription-PCR, and immunofluorescence staining were used to assess the role of CAFs, as compared to that of NFs, in promoting proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT in TSCC.. Both CAF and NF primary cultures expressed vimentin but not CK. CAFs showed significantly higher α-SMA protein levels, SDF1 secretion, and mRNA levels of α-SMA, SDF1, and FAP. We also found that co-culture with CAFs enhanced the proliferation and invasion of SCC9 cells. Moreover, co-culture with CAFs induced upregulation of the EMT markers fibronectin and vimentin, downregulation of E-cadherin, and enhanced invasion in SCC9 cells.. These results suggest that CAFs induce EMT marker expression and functional changes in TSCCs.

Topics: Actins; Adult; Aged; Antigens, Neoplasm; Cadherins; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Movement; Cell Proliferation; Cell Shape; Cells, Cultured; Chemokine CXCL12; Coculture Techniques; Endopeptidases; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition; Female; Fibroblasts; Fibronectins; Gelatinases; Humans; Keratins; Lymphatic Metastasis; Male; Membrane Proteins; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Serine Endopeptidases; Tongue Neoplasms; Tumor Microenvironment; Vimentin

To evaluate the expression of cytokeratin 19(CK19) and connexin 43(Cx43) in various stages of oral carcinogenesis and investigate the relationship of CK19 and Cx43 in the process of oral cancer.. 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide(4NQO) was used to induce oral carcinogenesis in the mucosa of SD rats and immunohistoche-mical technique was used to study the expression of CK19 and Cx43 in various stages of oral carcinogenesis.. The CK19 positive staining were distributed in the basal cell layer in the normal rat lingual mucosa. While CK19 positive staining were distributed in cytoplasm of supra-basal layers in the mild dysplasia, moderate dysplasia and severe dysplasia. In oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC) tissue, CK19 were expressed in all the stratum of epithelium. The positive rate of CK19 in normal, mild, moderate, severe dysplasia and OSCC tissues were respectively 30.00%, 50.00%, 58.33%, 80.00%, and 91.67%. With the lesions getting worse, the positive rate and the intensity of CK19 raised significantly (P<0.05). In normal tongue mucosa, Cx43 proteins were mainly expressed in the membrane of the epithelial cells of the rat tongue. It was weakly positive in the basal cell layer, increased in the stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum, and negative in the stratum corneum. Compared with normal epithelia, the expression of Cx43 in dysplastic and OSCC epithelia decreased significantly. The positive rate of Cx43 in normal, mild, moderate, severe dysplasia and OSCC tissues were respectively 100.00%, 85.71%, 66.67%, 40.00%, and 33.33%. The expression of Cx43 was significantly decreased with severity increasing (P<0.05).. The expression of CK19 protein significantly increases with the development of rat tongue carcinoma, suggesting that CK19 is associated with carcinogenesis. The expression of Cx43 protein dramatically decrease with the development of rat tongue carcinoma, suggesting that the abnormal expression of Cx43 protein is associated with oral mucosa carcinoma origination. The expression of CK19 and Cx43 has negative correlation. Combined detection of CK19 and Cx43 has an important role in the early diagnosis of OSCC and can help to improve the sensitivity and specificity of the early diagnosis of OSCC.

Topics: 4-Nitroquinoline-1-oxide; Animals; Carcinogenesis; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Connexin 43; Epithelial Cells; Epithelium; Keratin-19; Keratins; Male; Mouth Mucosa; Mouth Neoplasms; Oxides; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Tongue; Tongue Neoplasms

Topics: Adult; Aged; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Epithelial Cells; Female; Follow-Up Studies; gp100 Melanoma Antigen; Humans; Keratins; Lymphatic Metastasis; Male; MART-1 Antigen; Melanins; Melanocytes; Melanoma-Specific Antigens; Middle Aged; Mouth Floor; Mouth Mucosa; Mouth Neoplasms; S100 Proteins; Tongue Neoplasms

In this retrospective study, the aim was to compare individual histopathologic parameters of malignancy between nonmetastatic and metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.. Sixty-two cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue were selected and examined according to the system established by Brandwein-Gensler et al (Am J Surg Pathol 29:167, 2005) and included the pattern of invasion (most to least favorable), lymphocytic infiltration, perineural invasion, risk score, keratinization, eosinophilia, perivascular invasion, and tumor thickness.. The least favorable pattern had no association with nodal metastasis (P > .05). The scarcity or density of the lymphocytic infiltration, perineural invasion, and a risk score ≥ 3 were associated with nodal metastasis (P < .05). Keratinization, eosinophilia, perivascular invasion, and tumor thickness had no association with nodal metastasis (P > .05). A significant positive correlation was found between the pattern of invasion and perineural invasion and between the pattern of invasion and tumor thickness (P < .05).. The scarcity or density of the lymphocytic infiltration, perineural invasion, and histopathologic risk score may be helpful as parameters of histologic malignancy for the evaluation of metastatic and nonmetastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Chemotaxis, Leukocyte; Eosinophilia; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Inflammation; Keratins; Lymphatic Metastasis; Lymphocytes; Male; Microvessels; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Peripheral Nerves; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Survival Rate; Tongue Neoplasms

To evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of MMP-1, -2, -7, -9 and -26 in oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) according to tumour site and histological grade of malignancy.. Fifteen cases of SCC of the lower lip and 15 cases of tongue SCC were selected and divided into low grade malignancy (n = 17) and high grade malignancy (n = 13).. Higher immunohistochemical expression of MMPs by neoplastic cells was observed in tongue SCCs, with a statistically significant difference for MMP-9 (P < 0.05). High-grade SCCs showed a higher expression of MMPs, except for MMP-2, with a statistically significant difference for MMP-7 (P < 0.05) and MMP-26 (P < 0.05). In addition, a direct association was observed between morphological scores of malignancy and MMP immunoreactivity, with the association being significant for MMP-7 and MMP-26.. The present results demonstrate the important role of MMPs in the development of SCCs of the lower lip and tongue.

Topics: Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cell Nucleus; Disease Progression; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Inflammation; Keratins; Lip Neoplasms; Matrix Metalloproteinase 1; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; Matrix Metalloproteinase 7; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; Matrix Metalloproteinases; Matrix Metalloproteinases, Secreted; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Stromal Cells; Tongue Neoplasms

Tumor budding is a readily detectable histopathological feature and has been recognized as an adverse prognostic factor in several human cancers. However, the prognostic value of tumor budding in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to assess the correlation of tumor budding with the clinicopathologic features, and the known molecular biomarkers (E-cadherin and Vimentin), as well as to evaluate its prognostic significance for TSCC.. Archival clinical samples of 230 patients with TSCC were examined for tumor budding. Immunohistochemistry analyses were performed to examine the expression of E-cadherin and Vimentin. Statistical analyses were carried out to assess the correlation of tumor budding with clinicopathologic parameters and patient survival. The potential association between tumor budding and alterations of E-cadherin and Vimentin expression was also assessed.. Of the 230 TSCC cases examined, tumor budding was observed in 165 cases (71.7%), with a mean tumor bud count of 7.5 (range from 1 to 48 buds). High-intensity budding (≥5 tumor buds) was observed in 111 cases (48.3%). Statistical analysis revealed that tumor budding was associated with tumor size (P < 0.05), differentiation (P < 0.05), clinical stage (P < 0.05), lymph node metastasis (P < 0.01), and correlated with reduced overall survival. In addition, significant associations were observed among tumor budding and the deregulation of E-cadherin (P < 0.001) and Vimentin (P < 0.001).. Tumor budding, which associates with epithelial-mesenchymal transition, is a frequent event and appears to be an independent prognostic factor in TSCC.

Topics: Biomarkers; Cadherins; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cell Differentiation; Chromogenic Compounds; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Keratins; Lymphatic Metastasis; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Grading; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neoplasm Staging; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; Survival Rate; Tongue Neoplasms; Vimentin

Assessing epithelial dysplasia to predict malignant transformation remains problematic in many tissues because grading systems are poorly structured and individual features poorly defined. Dysplasia grading is criticised for lack of reproducibility and poor predictive value. Grading systems for upper aerodigestive tract dysplasia have evolved over several decades and are not supported by good outcome experimental data..  This study analysed the individual features of dysplasia in 86 oral dysplastic lesions and determined the reproducibility of scoring for each, and correlated them with other features and clinical factors using complex clustering analyses.. A uniform pattern of dysplasia was found in 37 lesions, focal dysplasia in 36 and in 13 lesions dysplasia formed complex discontinuous patterns. There was wide variation in reproducibility of scoring of individual features and many, including thickness, some types of rete morphology, basaloid cell anisonucleosis, basal dyscohesion, and dyskeratosis as deep single cells correlated with sub-sites. Rete morphology, type of keratinisation, hyperchromatism of the basaloid compartment, prickle cell anisonucleosis and extension down salivary ducts correlated with smoking. Conventional grading and oral intraepithelial neoplasia (OIN) grading by 'thirds affected' showed strong correlation overall but scores obtained with the OIN system tended to a higher grade at all sites except soft palate/fauces. There was poor correlation between the systems for moderate dysplasia and also severe dysplasia at some sites. Individual features could not be shown to cluster to form distinct patterns of dysplasia.. These variations may account in part for the lack of reproducibility and poor predictive value of the grading systems in current use and could inform the design of future grading systems.

Topics: Carcinoma in Situ; Cell Adhesion; Cell Nucleus; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; Chromatin; Epithelial Cells; Epithelium; Female; Humans; Keratins; Leukoplakia, Oral; Lip Neoplasms; Male; Mitosis; Mouth Floor; Mouth Mucosa; Mouth Neoplasms; Neoplasm Grading; Palatal Neoplasms; Palate, Soft; Precancerous Conditions; Reproducibility of Results; Salivary Ducts; Tongue Neoplasms

Sentinel node navigation surgery (SNNS) is currently considered to provide better staging of regional metastasis. For rapid and accurate sentinel lymph node analysis, one-step nucleic acid amplification using cytokeratin 19 (CK19) has been applied, particularly in breast cancer. On the other hand, additional quantitative reverse transcription PCR targets containing cytokeratins have been reported recently in head and neck cancer. In this report, CK19 and p63 were immunohistochemically examined in primary tumours for use as molecular markers and were compared with cytokeratin 903 (CK903), cytokeratin 8/18 (CK8/18) and cytokeratin (AE1/AE3), which are used in diagnostic immunohistochemistry for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.. The study reviewed 17 patients with T1/T2, N0 (UICC) oral squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue who were treated surgically at Kyorin University Hospital between 2002 and 2009. The intensity and proportion of tumour cells stained for CK19, CK903, p63, CK8/18 and AE1/AE3 were evaluated.. CK19 and CK8/18 staining in cytoplasm was patchy among carcinoma cells, indicating weak expression. Staining proportion for p63, CK903 and AE1/AE3 was greater than for CK19 and CK8/18, although staining intensity for CK903 was weaker than for p63 and AE1/AE3. The difference in total score between CK19 and CK8/18 staining and p63, CK903 and AE1/AE3 staining was statistically significant (p<0.001). p63 and AE1/AE3 may be better markers than CK903, CK19 and CK8/18.. This suggests that p63 is of clinical utility in SNNS and that CK19 is unsuitable for early tongue carcinoma. Further studies are needed before clinical application of these markers.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers, Tumor; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Japan; Keratin-18; Keratin-19; Keratin-8; Keratins; Lymph Node Excision; Lymphatic Metastasis; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Staging; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Tongue Neoplasms; Transcription Factors; Tumor Suppressor Proteins

The receptor-binding cancer antigen expressed on SiSo cells (RCAS1) is a human tumor-associated antigen that has been considered to play a crucial role in tumor progression by enabling cancer cells to evade immune surveillance. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of RCAS1 expression in mobile tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).. RCAS1 protein expression was assessed immunohistochemically on 49 mobile tongue SCC tissue samples obtained from an equal number of patients and was statistically analyzed with clinicopathological characteristics and overall and disease-free patients' survival.. Enhanced RCAS1 expression was significantly associated with reduced depth of invasion (p=0.0069), low mitotic index (p=0.0251) and no evidence of muscular invasion (p=0.0098). A borderline association between RCAS1 expression and stromal inflammatory reaction was also noted (p=0.0660). RCAS1 expression was not associated with overall and disease-free survival.. Our data support evidence for possible implication of RCAS1 at the early stage of tumor progression in mobile tongue SCC, whereas the survival prediction using RCAS1 expression as a clinical marker seems uncertain for this type of malignancy.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Animals; Antigens, Neoplasm; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Disease Progression; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Male; Middle Aged; Tongue Neoplasms

We compared findings of optical coherence tomography (OCT) with histopathological results of suspicious oral lesions to assess the feasibility of using OCT to identify malignant tissue. Thirty-four oral lesions from 27 patients had swept-source frequency-domain OCT. Four variables were assessed (changes in keratin, epithelial, and sub-epithelial layers, and identification of the basement membrane) and from this we calculated whether or not there were architectural changes. These data were then compared with histopathological results. Two clinicians, who were unaware of the clinical and histopathological diagnoses, decided whether biopsy was necessary. The basement membrane was recognised in only 15 oral lesions. OCT could identify diseased areas but could not provide a diagnosis or differentiate between lesions. The two clinicians, who recommended biopsy agreed in all cases. This pilot study confirms the feasibility of using OCT to identify architectural changes in malignant tissues.

Topics: Basement Membrane; Biopsy; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Diagnosis, Differential; Epithelium; Erythroplasia; Feasibility Studies; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Keratins; Leukoplakia, Oral; Mouth Mucosa; Mouth Neoplasms; Oral Ulcer; Pilot Projects; Precancerous Conditions; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Tongue Neoplasms

Histological analysis of tumour resection for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue yields prognostic information. We analysed histological slides of biopsy and tumour resection specimens using an adapted malignancy grading score and analysed variables of neck dissections. There was moderate correlation between biopsy and tumour resection using malignancy grading scores (correlation coefficient 0.45); good agreement of tumour grade (79%), tumour depth (76%), and type of invasive front (80%), but correlation was only fair to moderate (κ=0.38, κ=0.51, and κ=0.41, respectively). Correlation of the biopsy grading score and invaded nodes in the neck, extra capsular spread, and soft tissue disease was not significant.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biopsy; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cell Nucleus; Cytoplasm; Female; Glossectomy; Humans; Keratins; Lymph Nodes; Lymphocytes; Male; Middle Aged; Mitosis; Neck Dissection; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Neoplasm Staging; Plasma Cells; Prognosis; Tongue Neoplasms

A rigid confocal endoscope has been developed to assess the oral squamous epithelium of mice and to determine sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of this new technology.. This endoscope is connected to the commercially available Heidelberg Retina Tomograph (HRT). HRT is a device with a 670-nm diode laser designed to acquire topographical measurements of the optic nerve head. Real-time rigid confocal endoscopy is demonstrated by imaging the epithelial lesions of a mice model. Six-week-old male C57Bl/6 mice were randomly divided into a non-treated group (n = 10) and into a 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4-NQO)-treated group (n = 50). In the 4-NQO-treated group, the mice obtained 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide in the drinking water (100 microg/ml) to induce tumourigenesis in the mouse tongue. The 4-NQO-solution was diluted in the drinking water for mice. After an 8-16-week carcinogen treatment with 4-NQO (ad libitum), mouse tongues were dissected within 3 h after CO(2) overdose. After confocal microscopy of all lesions of the tongue, conventional histopathological investigation was performed.. The inter-rater reliability for the two observers of the confocal microscopic findings was found to be Kappa = 0.59 (P < 0.001). The penetration depth varied in the healthy tissue of the underside of the tongue throughout this study and was measured between 104 and 240 microm. In keratotic lesions, the penetration depths were diminished and varied between 80 and 140 microm. Strong keratinization inhibits the evaluation of the epithelium. For differentiation between low-grade and high-grade squamous intra-epithelial lesions, a sensitivity and specificity of 73% and 88% was reached.. The animal experiment with this non-invasive new technology indicates that this imaging technology facilitates the detection of pre-cancerous lesions of the underside of the oropharynx. Human studies on oropharyngeal and laryngeal lesions are needed to prove the applicability of this method in the field of otorhinolaryngology.

Topics: 4-Nitroquinoline-1-oxide; Animals; Carcinogens; Carcinoma in Situ; Cell Membrane; Cell Nucleus; Disease Models, Animal; Endoscopes; Endoscopy; Epithelial Cells; Epithelium; Equipment Design; Keratins; Leukoplakia, Oral; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Microscopy, Confocal; Mouth Mucosa; Precancerous Conditions; Predictive Value of Tests; Random Allocation; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tongue Neoplasms

This study compares synchronous oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) with single primary OSCCs to assess the histopathologic parameters with a known prognostic significance.. Twenty-eight cases of synchronous OSCCs and a control group of single primary OSCCs were compared for 15 histologic prognostic variables.. Results showed significantly less amount of abnormal mitoses (synchronous-1: P = .002; synchronous-2: P = .006) and tumor-induced stroma (synchronous-1: P = .011; synchronous-2: P = .001) in synchronous OSCCs than in single primary OSCCs. Depth of invasion was considerably lower in synchronous OSCCs than in single primary OSCCs (synchronous-1: P = .007; synchronous-2: P = .002). Lymph node metastasis (synchronous-1: P = .051; synchronous-2: P = .051) was found to be rare in synchronous OSCCs compared with single primary OSCCs.. Synchronous OSCCs show less aggressive histopathologic features than single primary OSCCs.

Topics: Aged; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Case-Control Studies; Cell Differentiation; Female; Gingival Neoplasms; Humans; Keratins; Lip Neoplasms; Lymphatic Metastasis; Male; Middle Aged; Mitosis; Mouth Mucosa; Mouth Neoplasms; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neoplasms, Multiple Primary; Palatal Neoplasms; Tongue Neoplasms

Invasion is a hallmark of malignancy. The aim of this study was to develop an in vitro model that can be used for experimental studies of cancer cell invasion. The organotypic oral cancer model was constructed by growing oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells on a collagen matrix in which normal human fibroblasts were incorporated. Immunohistochemical staining of the model showed that the expression of invasion-related molecules such as phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (p-ERK1/2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), p75(NTR), and hepatocyte growth factor receptor (Met) was similar to that seen in OSCC. Treatment of the model with cobalt chloride (CoCl(2)) to mimic hypoxic conditions increased cancer cell invasion, defined as the appearance of cancer cell islands protruding into the matrix. Models treated with CoCl(2) showed increased expression of p75(NTR) and laminin-5 in the cancer cells, and a more pronounced fragmentation of collagen IV in the basal membrane area, in contrast to models that were left untreated. The results indicate that the present model is well suited for studies on cancer cell invasion in the matrix and that the addition of CoCl(2) on day 3 of the experiment is indicated because it markedly increases the invasion and improves the model.

Topics: Antigens, CD; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cell Culture Techniques; Cells, Cultured; Cobalt; Collagen; Collagen Type IV; Culture Media; Cyclooxygenase 2; Fibroblasts; Humans; Hypoxia; Keratins; Laminin; Male; Middle Aged; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met; Receptors, Growth Factor; Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor; Tongue Neoplasms; Young Adult

Carcinosarcoma is a rare malignant tumour composed of a mixture of carcinomatous and sarcomatous elements. Carcinosarcoma metastatic to the tongue is extremely rare. An 84-year-old woman presented with a rapidly growing mass on the tongue. She had a history of surgery for carcinosarcoma of the occipital skin 9 months before. An excisional biopsy of the tongue mass was performed, and the lesion was histopathologically diagnosed as carcinosarcoma. PET after diagnosis showed multiple hot uptakes in the whole body. The patient died of the disease 2 months after diagnosis. Therapies for patients with metastatic malignant tumours to the oral cavity are difficult, especially in aggressive case such as this. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case of metastatic carcinosarcoma to the tongue.

Topics: Actins; Aged; Biopsy; Carcinosarcoma; Fatal Outcome; Female; Humans; Keratin-20; Keratins; Phosphopyruvate Hydratase; Positron-Emission Tomography; Scalp; Skin Neoplasms; Tongue Neoplasms; Vimentin

It can be difficult to distinguish between primary and metastatic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the lung. Surgical specimens were obtained from two groups of patients, 26 lung SCC patients without histories of any other cancer (the definite primary group) and 17 patients who had undergone surgical removal of SCC emerging in the lung after surgery for tongue SCC (the unknown group). From the former, 26 primary lung SCC were obtained. From the latter, 17 lung tumors and 15 primary tumors of the tongue were obtained. Eleven of the 17 lung tumors from the unknown group were metastatic lung SCC. All specimens were immunostained with cytokeratin (CK)5/6, CK7, CAM5.2, CK19 and p63 antibodies. The frequency of CAM5.2 and CK19 expression was significantly higher in the lung SCC of the definite primary group (21 of 26, 81% and 20 of 26, 78%, respectively) than in the metastatic lung SCC (1 of 11, 9% (P < 0.001) and 2 of 11, 18% (P = 0.003), respectively) or primary SCC of the tongue (5 of 15, 33% (P = 0.002) and 2 of 15, 13% (P < 0.001), respectively). CAM5.2 and CK19 are useful for distinguishing between primary SCC of the lung and metastases from tongue cancer.

Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Biomarkers, Tumor; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Chi-Square Distribution; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Tongue Neoplasms

Cervical lymph node (CLN) metastasis from oral cancer correlates with poor prognosis. Therefore, accurate assessment of CLN status is crucial in treatment planning. However, there are few reports focusing on CLN metastasis from tongue cancer. Further, the growth and progress of the tumor are known to be profoundly related to histological malignancy, tumor angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis. Thus, this study aimed to identify predictive factors for CLN metastasis in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Initial biopsy specimens obtained from 30 patients with tongue SCC were examined to evaluate histological malignancy according to Anneroth's classification. In addition, blood vessel density, lymph vessel density, and lymphatic invasion in the tumor were evaluated immunohistochemically using CD31, CD34, D2-40, and AE1/AE3, and then the relationships of CLN metastasis to these parameters were investigated. Histological malignancy grade, blood vessel density, and lymphatic invasion were significantly related to CLN metastasis (P < 0.05), but there was no relationship between lymph vessel density and CLN metastasis. However, double immunostaining showed that lymphatic invasion by tumor cells was significantly related to CLN metastasis. The results indicate that Anneroth's histological malignancy grade of 16 or more, tumor blood vessel density of more than 37, and the presence of lymphatic invasion by tumor cells can be predictive factors for CLN metastases in tongue SCC.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; Antigens, CD34; Biomarkers, Tumor; Blood Vessels; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cell Nucleus; Female; Humans; Keratins; Lymphangiogenesis; Lymphatic Metastasis; Lymphatic Vessels; Male; Middle Aged; Mitosis; Neck; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neoplasm Staging; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1; Tongue Neoplasms

Met, the hepatocyte growth factor receptor, is important in transducing signals for tumour growth and metastasis. The aim of this study was to examine the pattern of Met expression and its value as a prognostic factor in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs). The material consisted of 53 OSCCs and five healthy controls from normal oral mucosa supplied with cell lines, 10 organotypic models supplied with oral cancer cells, and three organotypic models supplied with normal keratinocytes. Met protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Met expression was scarce and limited to the basal layer in normal oral mucosa, but was more extensive in the tumours. Cytoplasmic expression of Met was found in the majority of the tumours, and nuclear expression was found in 72%, including a high fraction of the cells located at the invasive front. Organotypic models with normal or malignant oral cells yielded principally similar results as in the mucosa and the cancers, respectively. A smaller amount of Met immunoreactivity was detected, by western blotting, in the nuclear fraction of cultured oral cancer cells. In conclusion, Met was upregulated in OSCCs and was also found in the nucleus. However, Met was not a marker for prognosis in this study.

Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Biomarkers, Tumor; Breast Neoplasms; Carcinoma; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cell Culture Techniques; Cell Line; Cell Nucleus; Cells, Cultured; Coculture Techniques; Cytoplasm; Female; Fibroblasts; Gingiva; Humans; Keratinocytes; Keratins; Male; Middle Aged; Mouth Mucosa; Mouth Neoplasms; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Prognosis; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met; Skin Neoplasms; Tissue Scaffolds; Tongue Neoplasms; Up-Regulation

Topics: Glossectomy; Humans; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; Keratins; Male; Middle Aged; Oncogene Proteins, Fusion; Sarcoma, Synovial; Tongue Neoplasms; Translocation, Genetic; Vimentin

Cysts of the tongue are rare, usually derived from epithelia of the embryonic gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, and classified according to the predominant epithelium lining. These cysts are usually discovered during infancy, more frequently in males, but they may not appear until well into adulthood. The authors report two lingual cysts lined mainly with respiratory, and focally by squamous, epithelium. Periodic acid-Schiff and mucicarmine staining revealed focal positivity in intracystic mucoid material and goblet cells. Immunohistochemical analysis with vimentin, cytokeratins (AE1/AE3, 34betaE12, CK1, CK5, CK6, CK7, CK8, CK10, CK13, CK14, CK16, CK18, and CK19), E-cadherin, beta-catenin, and epithelial membrane antigen showed a similar profile of normal respiratory epithelium, suggesting well-differentiated states. Owing to their controversial origin, these cysts should be named descriptively, as suggested by Manor et al., as lingual cysts with respiratory epithelium.

Topics: Child, Preschool; Choristoma; Cysts; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Male; Respiratory Mucosa; Tongue Neoplasms; Vimentin; Young Adult

To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and biologic behaviour of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma in the oral cavity.. The clinical features and pathological findings of nine cases with intraoral epithelioid hemangioendothelioma were reviewed, including immunohistochemistry study.. This series comprised seven males and two females aged 6-53 years (mean 28 years). The sites of the tumour included the tongue (n = 4), lip (n = 1), the gingiva and alveoli of the maxilla (n = 1), the gingiva and alveoli of the mandible (n = 1), buccal mucosa (n = 1), and the floor of the mouth (n = 1). A painless solitary mass was the most common presentation and was found in eight cases. On pathology, the tumour grew in short strands, cords or nests of polygonal to slightly spindled epithelioid cells in fibro-myxoid stroma, with formation of intracytoplasmic lumina. Tumour cells were immunoreactive to CD34, FVIIIRAg, and vimentin. Focal-positive cytokeration were observed in three cases. Immunoreactivity for S-100 protein, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and human herpesvirus (HHV)-8 was negative in all cases. Two cases recurred after surgical excision, but no patient developed local or distant metastasis.. Wide local excision with long-term follow-up seems to be the treatment of choice for intraoral epithelioid hemangioendothelioma because of their unpredictable biological behaviour and recurrence potential.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Antigens, CD34; Child; Female; Gingival Neoplasms; Hemangioendothelioma, Epithelioid; Herpesvirus 8, Human; Humans; Keratins; Lip Neoplasms; Male; Mandibular Neoplasms; Maxillary Neoplasms; Middle Aged; Mouth Floor; Mouth Mucosa; Mouth Neoplasms; Mucin-1; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Retrospective Studies; S100 Proteins; Tongue Neoplasms; Vimentin; von Willebrand Factor

The aim of the present study was to clinically, morphologically, and immunohistochemically correlate the expression of cytokeratins (CKs) 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, and 19 in 30 cases of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with disease outcome, metastases, clinical stage (tumor, node, metastasis [TNM]), and histological grade of malignancy proposed by Bryne. Statistical analysis (chi2 test) showed that only histological grading was not significantly correlated with the clinical variables. CK expression varied in the samples analyzed. CK 10 expression was significantly correlated with the presence of metastases, and the expression of CK 16 was related to disease outcome and also to TNM stages III and IV. These results indicate that metastases and TNM are effective prognostic indicators. The histological grading proposed by Bryne did not reflect the biological behavior of the tongue SCC cases studied. Analysis of some intermediate CK filaments can reflect the biological behavior and aggressiveness of some tongue SCCs.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers, Tumor; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Combined Modality Therapy; Disease-Free Survival; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Male; Middle Aged; Remission Induction; Retrospective Studies; Survival Rate; Tongue Neoplasms

We have recently shown that HPV-positive tonsillar carcinoma in young patients exhibits nonkeratinizing basaloid morphology and a characteristic immunophenotype. The purpose of this study was to review a large number of cases of oropharyngeal carcinomas, in all age groups, and to identify tumors with nonkeratinizing morphology. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) the prevalence and type of HPV DNA was determined in representative cases and in a control group of conventional keratinizing squamous cell carcinomas. The tumors were further characterized with a panel of immunohistochemical stains. A total of 235 carcinomas were reviewed; 141 of the tonsils and 94 in the base of tongue. Ninety (36%) of the tonsillar and 30 (32%) of the base of tongue carcinomas were nonkeratinizing (NKCa) with basal cell features; the rest were classical keratinizing squamous cell carcinomas (KSCC). HPV DNA, particularly type 16, was identified in 10 (100%) of 10 of NKCA and in only 2 (20%) of 10 of KSCC (P = .0014). NKCas were strongly reactive to p16 antibodies while KSCC showed weak and focal reactivity. Higher Ki67 and lower p53 staining scores were observed in NKCa as compared to KSCC. It is concluded that NKCa of the tonsils and base of tongue is a distinct subtype of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck with high prevalence of HPV DNA and a characteristic immunophenotype.

Topics: Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Case-Control Studies; DNA, Viral; Female; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Immunophenotyping; Keratins; Ki-67 Antigen; Male; Middle Aged; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms; Palatine Tonsil; Papillomaviridae; Papillomavirus Infections; Phenotype; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Tongue Neoplasms; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53

Upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) cancer, including oral and esophageal cancer, is an important cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Patients with UADT cancer are frequently zinc deficient (ZD) and show a loss of function of the pivotal tumor suppressor gene p53. The present study examined whether zinc deficiency in collaboration with p53 insufficiency (p53+/-) promotes lingual and esophageal tumorigenesis in mice exposed to low doses of the carcinogen 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide. In wild-type mice, ZD significantly increased the incidence of lingual and esophageal tumors from 0% in zinc sufficient (ZS) ZS:p53+/+ mice to approximately 40%. On the p53+/- background, ZD:p53+/- mice had significantly greater tumor incidence and multiplicity than ZS:p53+/- and ZD:p53+/+ mice, with a high frequency of progression to malignancy. Sixty-nine and 31% of ZD:p53+/- lingual and esophageal tumors, respectively, were squamous cell carcinoma versus 19 and 0% of ZS:p53+/- tumors (tongue, P = 0.003; esophagus, P = 0.005). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the increased cellular proliferation observed in preneoplastic lingual and esophageal lesions, as well as invasive carcinomas, was accompanied by overexpression of cytokeratin 14, cyclooxygenase-2 and metallothionein. In summary, a new UADT cancer model is developed in ZD:p53+/- mouse that recapitulates aspects of the human cancer and provides opportunities to probe the genetic changes intrinsic to UADT carcinogenesis and to test strategies for prevention and reversal of this deadly cancer.

Topics: 4-Nitroquinoline-1-oxide; Animals; Biomarkers, Tumor; Carcinogens; Cyclooxygenase 2; Disease Models, Animal; Esophageal Neoplasms; Female; Gene Expression; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Immunohistochemistry; Keratin-14; Keratins; Male; Metallothionein; Mice; Mice, Mutant Strains; Precancerous Conditions; Tongue Neoplasms; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; Zinc

To investigate the frequency of micrometastasis in levels lII - IV of clinical negative neck (cN0) in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of oral tongue, and to discuss the management of cervical lymph node for cN0 tongue SCC.. A total of 471 cervical lymph nodes derived from 25 patients with cN0 tongue SCC, including 263 lymph nodes in level III and 208 lymph nodes in level IV, were included in this study. All lymph nodes were re-examined by anti-cytokeratin (CK) immunohistochemical staining combined with semi-serial section per 500 microm.. Among the 25 cases, seven patients were confirmed harboring metastasis in 11 lymph nodes of level III, and no positive lymph node in level IV was detected by routine hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. 11 positive lymph nodes in level IIl, which confirmed by HE staining, were also detected by immunohistochemical staining with CK combined with semiserial section. Among the 460 cervical lymph nodes in which HE staining did not show metastasis, only one lymph node in level III harboring a 2.0 mm x 1.5 mm micrometastasis was detected by immunohistochemical staining with CK, and no positive lymph node in level IV was detected by immunohistochemical staining with CK.. The frequency of occult metastasis in level IV was very low, so it seemed unnecessary to dissect level IV for all patients with cN0 tongue SCC.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Female; Humans; Keratins; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic Metastasis; Male; Middle Aged; Neck; Neoplasm Micrometastasis; Tongue; Tongue Neoplasms

In head and neck cancers, the presence of cervical lymph node metastasis is an important determinant of outcome. Many attempts have been made to predict cervical lymph node metastasis, but the accuracy of currently available techniques remains inadequate. We used fuzzy inference to predict cervical lymph node metastasis retrospectively in 75 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and prospectively in 23 patients. Our model was based on three variables: tumor size, keratinization, and mode of invasion. The accuracy of fuzzy inference for the prediction of cervical lymph node metastasis in the 75 patients studied retrospectively was 86.7%, the sensitivity was 70.8%, and the specificity was 94.1%. In the 23 patients studied prospectively, the accuracy was 91.3%, the sensitivity was 50.0%, and the specificity was 95.2%. The accuracy obtained in this European series of patients was similar to that previously obtained in Japanese patients. We conclude that fuzzy inference may be a useful method for predicting cervical lymph node metastasis. Its high specificity is likely to reduce the number of unnecessary neck dissections. However, the current level sensitivity is inadequate for routine clinical use. Therefore, other predictors of lymph node metastasis should be identified to refine the current model.

Topics: Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Europe; Follow-Up Studies; Forecasting; Fuzzy Logic; Humans; Keratins; Lymphatic Metastasis; Neck; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tongue Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome

Although many histopathologic factors in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue predict the prognosis, the major predictive factors have not been identified clearly. This study analyzed the prognostic value of the histologic grade at the deep invasive front of tongue squamous cell carcinoma.. The clinicopathologic features of 124 consecutive patients seen between January 1985 and December 1999 with previously untreated squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue were reviewed. Their mean age was 58.5 years (range: 23-90) and the male-female ratio was 1.8: 1 (79 men and 45 women). There were 41, 40, 30, and 13 cases at stage I to stage IV, respectively. The clinicopathologic factors, especially the histologic grade at the deep invasive front (invasive front grade, IFG), were analyzed to determine factors predicting prognosis.. The 5-year disease-free survival rate of the patients treated with curative aim only was 66.7%. Clinicopathologic factors significantly associated with the prognosis were T classification, tumor size, stage classification, tumor depth, macroscopic appearance, cervical lymph node metastasis (nodal metastasis), microvascular invasion, and IFG. In a multivariate analysis, patients with tumor depth >/=4 mm, IFG >/=8 points, and nodal metastasis had a reduced disease-free survival and IFG >/=11 points had a predictive value for nodal metastasis (odds ratio: 7.34; P = 0.0019).. This study found that a high IFG malignancy score had a high prognostic value for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cell Nucleus; Disease-Free Survival; Female; Forecasting; Humans; Keratins; Lymphatic Metastasis; Male; Microcirculation; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neoplasm Staging; Polymorphism, Genetic; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; Tongue Neoplasms

The epithelioid cell histiocytoma (ECH) is a polypoidal benign tumor of superficial connective tissue that is often diagnosed as a pyogenic granuloma. ECHs are speculated to originate from dermal dendritic subunits and are composed of 2 primary cell populations, ie, CD34+ primitive fibroblastic dendrocytes and factor XIIIa+ histiocytes. Although dendritic subunits are distributed throughout most collagenous tissues inclusive of oral mucosa, to date, all reported cases of ECH have been cutaneous lesions. ECHs' putative pathogenesis entails activation of CD34+ "sentinel" reserve dendrocytes, followed by an influx of histiocytes and mast cells. Juxtacrine communication increases release of wound healing factors; suggesting a reactive etiologic component. In this current case, the location (ventral tongue) and history (recent increase in size) suggest the possibility that trauma could have initiated the dendritic subunit "wound healing" cascade. Consistent with its benign course, the ECH is managed by local excision, and has an excellent prognosis.

Topics: Actins; Aged, 80 and over; Antigens, CD34; Dendritic Cells; Epithelioid Cells; Factor XIIIa; Female; Histiocytes; Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Mast Cells; Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1; Tongue Neoplasms

These results indicate that extensive, multiple cervical micrometastases occurred from an early stage in patients with T2N0 tongue cancer. The presence of micrometastases suggests the necessity of preventive neck dissection for Level I-IV nodes as a radical treatment.. Cervical lymph node metastases occur with a relatively high frequency in patients with T2N0 squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, and control of the metastases greatly influences the prognosis of patients. In this study, micrometastases in the cervical lymph nodes were investigated to clarify the necessity and required extent of preventive neck dissection.. We investigated micrometastases in 24 subjects who had previously been diagnosed with T2N0 tongue cancer. We performed immunostaining with anti-cytokeratin antibody cocktail AE1/AE3 of sections of 401 paraffin-embedded lymph nodes obtained from these patients.. Micrometastases were observed in 14 patients (58%) and were most abundant in Level II nodes (n=11; 46%). Micrometastases were observed in the Level IV nodes of 3 patients (13%), and upstaging to pN2b occurred in 7 patients (29%).

Topics: Adult; Aged; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Coloring Agents; Female; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Lymph Node Excision; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic Metastasis; Male; Middle Aged; Neck; Neoplasm Staging; Prognosis; Tongue Neoplasms

Topics: Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell; Aged; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Keratins; Male; Mucin-1; Palatal Neoplasms; Palate, Hard; Tongue Neoplasms

Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity is one of the most common human neoplasms, and prevention of these carcinomas requires a better understanding of the carcinogenesis process and a model system in which cancer chemoprevention agents can be tested. We have developed a mouse model using the carcinogen 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4-NQO) in the drinking water to induce tumorigenesis in the mouse oral cavity.. 4-NQO was delivered by tongue painting or drinking water to two mouse strains, CBA and C57Bl/6. The incidences of oral cavity carcinogenesis were then compared. In addition, we examined the expression of some of the molecular markers associated with the process of human oral cavity and esophageal carcinogenesis, such as keratin (K) 1, K14, p16, and epidermal growth factor receptor, by immunohistochemistry.. After treatment with 4-NQO in the drinking water, massive tumors were observed on the tongues of both CBA and C57Bl/6 female mice. Pathological analyses indicated that flat squamous dysplasias, exophytic papillary squamous tumors (papillomas), and invasive squamous cell carcinomas were present. Immunohistochemistry analyses showed that 4-NQO changed the expression patterns of the intermediate filament proteins K14 and K1. K14 was expressed in the epithelial suprabasal layers, in addition to the basal layer, in tongues from carcinogen-treated animals. In contrast, control animals expressed K14 only in the basal layer. Moreover, we observed more bromodeoxyuridine staining in the tongue epithelia of 4-NQO-treated mice. Reduced expression of the cell cycle inhibitor, p16, was observed, whereas 4-NQO treatment caused an increase in epidermal growth factor receptor expression in the mouse tongues. Interestingly, similar features of carcinogenesis, including multiple, large (up to 0.5 cm) exophytic papillary squamous tumors and invasive squamous cell carcinomas, increased bromodeoxyuridine staining, and increased K14 expression, were also observed in the esophagi of 4-NQO-treated mice. However, no tumors were observed in the remainder of digestive tract (including the forestomach, intestine, and colon) or in the lungs or livers of 4-NQO-treated mice. These results indicate that this murine 4-NQO-induced oral and esophageal carcinogenesis model simulates many aspects of human oral cavity and esophageal carcinogenesis.. The availability of this mouse model should permit analysis of oral cavity and esophageal cancer development in various mutant and transgenic mouse strains. This model will also allow testing of cancer chemopreventive drugs in various transgenic mouse strains.

Topics: 4-Nitroquinoline-1-oxide; Animals; Bromodeoxyuridine; Carcinogens; Carcinoma, Papillary; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16; Disease Models, Animal; ErbB Receptors; Esophageal Neoplasms; Female; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Keratin-14; Keratins; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Inbred CBA; Mouth Neoplasms; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Tongue Neoplasms

Mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MECs) are the most common malignant tumor of the salivary glands; however, the histogenesis of MECs has been still controversial. This study was undertaken to investigate the histogenesis of MECs by the examination of their collagen gel-based coculture tissue and transplanted tumors.. Two cell lines from a primary and a metastatic MECs were established and characterized by the mutational analysis of the p53 gene and in vivo tumorigenicity in athymic nude mice. Collagen gel-based organotypic cocultures were performed, and the ultrastructural and immunohistochemical findings were examined.. Two cell lines demonstrated p53 point mutation at the same codon. A metastatic cell line of MEC showed in vivo tumorigenicity. Transplanted tumors and the collagen gel-based culture tissues showed poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinomas devoid of mucous cell differentiation; however, they disclosed the differentiation of myoepithelial cells.. MECs appear to be centered on the squamous cell differentiation, and the specific differentiation of myoepithelial or mucous cells seems to be modulated by the property of microenvironment.

Topics: 3T3 Cells; Actins; Adult; Animals; Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cell Differentiation; Cell Line, Tumor; Coculture Techniques; Codon; Collagen; Culture Media; Epithelial Cells; Genes, p53; Humans; Keratins; Lymphatic Metastasis; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Nude; Muscle, Smooth; Neoplasm Transplantation; Point Mutation; Tongue Neoplasms

A firm, ulcerated tumor formed on the left side of the tongue of an elderly woman. Histopathological analysis showed that this unusual neoplasm was composed of monomorphic polygonal cells that exhibited a clear cytoplasm containing large amounts of periodic acid Schiff (PAS)-positive, diastase-digestive material. Most of the tumor cells stained immunohistochemically for Cytokeratin, high-molecular, CAM5.2, and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), but were negative for alpha-smooth muscle actin, vimentin, glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), and S-100 protein. These findings supported a diagnosis of clear cell adenocarcinoma. Although patients with this type of tumor generally have a favorable prognosis, the tumor in our patient was fast-growing and contained a large number of Ki-67 positive cells, which are known to be highly proliferative. Thus, this case highlights the fact that even clear cell adenocarcinomas that are usually slow-growing should be investigated by conventional morphological techniques and their proliferative activity quantified in order to select the most appropriate treatment strategy.

Topics: Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Biomarkers, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Cytoplasm; Fatal Outcome; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Ki-67 Antigen; Mucin-1; Tongue Neoplasms

The correlation between TNM classification and histological scores of malignancy, and the correlation of these parameters with the prognosis was evaluated in 16 cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. The cases were selected from the files of "Dr. Luiz Antônio" Cancer Hospital, Natal, RN, Brazil. After analysis of the patients' records, the data concerning TNM classification and prognosis (in a 5-year-follow-up) were obtained. All cases were classified according to the histological malignancy grading system proposed by Anneroth et al. [Scand Dent Res 1987;95:229-249]. There was no correlation (r = 0.3083) between TNM classification and histological scores of malignancy. There was significant correlation (r = 0.7206) between TNM classification and prognosis, but there was no correlation between the histological scores of malignancy and the prognosis. It was concluded that TNM classification is an important prognostic indicator of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cell Nucleus; Disease-Free Survival; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Keratins; Lymph; Male; Middle Aged; Mitosis; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Neoplasm Staging; Plasma Cells; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; Statistics, Nonparametric; Tongue Neoplasms

Three cases of Spitz nevus of the tongue associated with pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia are reported: two occurring in children and one in an adult. The location at an unusual site and the complex pattern resulting from the intimate admixture of the neoplastic melanocytic component and the hyperplastic keratinocytic component led in each case to consider diagnoses such as malignant melanoma and invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Staining for S-100 protein and keratin was useful to identify and separate the two components. Spitz nevus of the tongue carries some intriguing similarities with granular cell tumor, suggesting a possible histogenetic and pathogenetic relationship.

Topics: Adult; Biomarkers, Tumor; Child; Female; Humans; Hyperplasia; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Male; Neoplasm Proteins; Nevus, Epithelioid and Spindle Cell; S100 Proteins; Skin Neoplasms; Tongue Neoplasms

Two human tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell lines, SQUU-A and SQUU-B, were established from the same patient. Cervical lymph node metastasis was detected in the mice orthotopically implanted with SQUU-B (86.7%, 13/15), but not in those with SQUU-A (0/13). Histologically, SQUU-B showed invasive growth and intravasation in the tongue, whereas SQUU-A simply demonstrated expansive growth without intravasation. By Western blot analysis, nonmetastatic clone SQUU-A expressed cytokeratin (CK)13/4, 14, 16/6, 18/8, and 19, whereas a high metastatic clone SQUU-B expressed CK18/8 and 19. The reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction technique showed that CK13/4 mRNA was expressed in both cell lines, but CK14 and 16 mRNA was expressed only in SQUU-A. CK13 was immunohistochemically expressed in both SQUU-A and SQUU-B transplanted into the tongues of nude mice; CK14 and 16 were detected in SQUU-A of the tongues, but not in SQUU-B. As seen in SQUU-B cell line, SQUU-B of the cervical lymph node metastasis did not exhibit CK13, 14, or 16. These results suggest that the loss or down-regulation of CK13, 14, or 16 is related to the invasive and metastatic ability of cancer. The cytoskeletal system is thus considered to be closely related to the malignant phenotype.

Topics: Animals; Carcinogenicity Tests; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Female; Humans; Keratins; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neoplasm Transplantation; Tongue Neoplasms; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Primary carcinomas of the Waldeyer's ring area are typically nonkeratinizing squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Their cervical lymph node metastases are not uncommonly cystic and filled with necrotic tumor cells. Some cysts, however, contain clear fluid. During the investigation of SCC producing "fluid-filled" cystic metastases, we evaluated hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) sections of 90 primary SCC for their site of origin. We analyzed the cytokeratin (CK) profile of primary and metastatic carcinoma with special focus on the expression of CK7, a putative marker for ductal differentiation. CK7 was expressed in submucosal minor salivary gland acini and ducts, but not in the squamous surface epithelium of the Waldeyer's ring. CK7 was expressed in 11 primary SCC (8 base of tongue/3 palatine tonsil). The CK7-positive SCC were deep-seated, arose from large excretory ducts of submucosal minor salivary glands, and showed only insignificant surface involvement. They were characterized by a solid infiltrative growth pattern of basaloid cells with focal ductal differentiation. Salivary ducts adjacent to the carcinoma showed extensive intraductal hyperplasia and metaplasia. All CK7-positive carcinomas produced CK7-positive cystic nodal metastases, most of which contained paucicellular fluid. No solid CK7-positive nodal metastases were identified. In summary, a subset of carcinomas occurring in the Waldeyer's ring area appear to arise from large excretory ducts of submucosal minor salivary glands with only limited surface involvement, express CK7, and produce CK7-positive cystic "fluid-filled" nodal metastases. The histomorphology and immunophenotype suggest that these carcinomas represent basaloid SCC arising from excretory ducts of the submucosal minor salivary glands.

Topics: Biomarkers, Tumor; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cysts; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Keratin-7; Keratins; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic Metastasis; Neck; Palatine Tonsil; Salivary Ducts; Salivary Glands, Minor; Tongue Neoplasms; Tonsillar Neoplasms

An experimental study was carried out in hamster tongue cancer induced with 9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene (DMBA) to examine the association between the histological features and the incidence of lymph node metastases. Squamous cell carcinoma was induced in 64 of 71 hamsters exposed to DMBA 3 times weekly for a period of 10-24 weeks, and lymph node metastases were found in 8 necks. Various histological variables in the primary lesion were examined, and the mode of invasion, degree of keratinization, and stage of invasion were found to be closely related to the development of neck metastases. We then did a prospective study in 37 human patients with T1-2 tongue cancer, which also showed a close association between the incidence of neck metastases and the histological variables of mode of invasion and degree of keratinization. These experimental and clinical studies suggest that the mode of invasion and degree of keratinization may be risk factors for neck metastases that are independent of T stage, and that the indications for elective neck dissection should be re-evaluated in that light.

Topics: 9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene; Animals; Biopsy; Carcinogens; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cricetinae; Elective Surgical Procedures; Humans; Incidence; Keratins; Lymph Node Excision; Lymphatic Metastasis; Male; Mesocricetus; Neck; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neoplasm Staging; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Tongue Neoplasms

Topics: Epithelial Cells; Facial Neoplasms; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Keratins; Male; Mesothelioma; Middle Aged; Pleural Neoplasms; Skin Neoplasms; Tongue Neoplasms; Vimentin

We report a review of our institutional and consultation files in order to select cases of hitherto unrecognized type of adenocarcinoma occurring in the tongue.. Eight cases of a characteristic adenocarcinoma of the tongue resembled solid and follicular variants of the papillary carcinoma of the thyroid. All the tumours were unencapsulated and were divided by fibrous septa into lobules. Major parts of the lesions were composed of areas with solid and microcystic growth patterns. The most striking cytological feature was that the tumour nuclei were pale-staining with a 'ground glass' quality, and they often appeared to overlap. Immunohistochemically, the tumours expressed cytokeratin and S100 protein and, focally, actin; thyroglobulin was negative. Ultrastructurally the cells had clefted nuclei, and the cytoplasm contained a few mitochondria, lysosomes and Golgi apparatus. Many tumour cells had combined features of both myoepithelial and secretory differentiation-well formed microvilli on their apical borders and bundles of microfilaments. At first presentation, all eight patients had metastases in the regional neck lymph nodes, but all are alive 2-6 years after the initial excision and irradiation.. We describe a distinctive type of adenocarcinoma of the tongue, for which we propose the name cribriform adenocarcinoma of the tongue (CAT). CAT usually presents with metastases in the neck lymph nodes at the time of presentation. We hypothesize that the tumour might arise from the thyroglossal duct anlage.

Topics: Adenocarcinoma, Papillary; Adult; Aged; Biomarkers, Tumor; Female; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Keratins; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic Metastasis; Male; Middle Aged; S100 Proteins; Tongue Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome

This study is designed to assess gene expression of squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA) mRNA to detect micrometastases in cervical lymph nodes (LNs) of head and neck cancer. We examined the expression of SCCA mRNA in 12 primary tumors and 212 cervical LNs (101 LNs taken from 8 patients with tongue cancer, 71 from 7 patients with gingival cancer, 19 from 2 patients with laryngeal cancer, 9 from 2 patients with pharyngeal cancer, 7 from 1 patient with cancer of the buccal mucosa, and 5 from 1 patient with cancer of floor of the mouth). Detectability of metastatic LNs by nested and single reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was compared with semiserial sections (hematoxylin-eosin staining and keratin immunostaining). All primary tumors expressed SCCA mRNA. Of 198 histologically metastasis-negative nodes, SCCA mRNA was detected in 37 (18.7%) by nested PCR. Eleven micrometastatic foci in 9 LNs (4.6%) were discovered by semiserial sectioning. This suggests that SCCA mRNA is a promising tumor marker for detecting the micrometastases in cervical LNs of head and neck cancer.

Topics: Antigens, Neoplasm; Biomarkers, Tumor; Biopsy; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; False Negative Reactions; Gingival Neoplasms; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Keratins; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Lymphatic Metastasis; Microtomy; Mouth Mucosa; Neck; Neoplasm Proteins; Pharyngeal Neoplasms; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger; RNA, Neoplasm; Sensitivity and Specificity; Serpins; Staining and Labeling; Tongue Neoplasms

The histogenetic origin of adenosquamous carcinoma, a high-grade variant of malignant epithelial neoplasm, has long been debated. We report a case that clearly demonstrated a mucosal surface epithelial origin. This concept was supported through histologic analysis of hematoxylin- and eosin-stained sections, as well as by the pattern of immunohistochemical reactivity with antibodies directed against low and high molecular weight cytokeratins, cell adhesion molecules (CAM 5.2), and carcinoembryonic antigens. The histologic differential diagnosis, biological behavior, and prognosis of adenosquamous carcinoma are also examined.

Topics: Adult; Carcinoembryonic Antigen; Carcinoma, Adenosquamous; Cell Adhesion Molecules; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Male; Tongue Neoplasms

The expression of the adhesion molecule CD44 variant 6 (CD44v6) was studied immunohistochemically on 38 oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and 10 biopsies of healthy oral mucosa. The relationship between the expression of CD44v6 and regional lymph node metastasis was also investigated. The expression of CD44v6 was apparently down-regulated in oral SCC, but not in normal oral mucosa. Carcinomas expressing lower levels of CD44v6 exhibited more frequent regional lymph node metastasis. The expression of CD44v6 showed no statistically significant relationship to the degree of differentiation, but tended to be down-regulated in poorly differentiated carcinoma. No significant relation was found between the expression of CD44v6 in primary and metastatic lesions.

Topics: Antibodies, Monoclonal; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cell Differentiation; Cell Membrane; Coloring Agents; Down-Regulation; Epithelium; Exons; Fibroblasts; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Hyaluronan Receptors; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Keratins; Lymphatic Metastasis; Mouth Floor; Mouth Mucosa; Mouth Neoplasms; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Tongue Neoplasms

A case of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue is reported with emphasis on an atypical finding of cervical lymph node metastasis visible on computed tomography. Multiple cervical lymph nodes revealed a high computed tomographic value of about 330 HU, lower than that of calcification. The lymph nodes revealed well-defined elliptical hyperechoic masses with an echogenic line and posterior shadow on ultrasonography. The appearance of a high density mass on computed tomography with a computed tomographic value lower than that of calcification may be a reliable finding of metastasis because it demonstrates the presence of marked keratinization produced by squamous cell carcinoma.

Topics: Calcinosis; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Humans; Keratins; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic Metastasis; Male; Middle Aged; Neck; Radiography, Panoramic; Reproducibility of Results; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Tongue Neoplasms; Ultrasonography

Since it was first described in 1986, basaloid-squamous cell carcinoma (BSC) has been considered a distinct variant of squamous cell carcinoma that occurs in a variety of anatomic sites, including the head and neck region. We report the characterization of the first cell line established from a basaloid-squamous cell carcinoma of the floor of the mouth. The cell line exhibited a highly invasive capacity, indicating that BSC has very aggressive behavior. This cell line may be a useful model for elucidation of the biological characteristics of BSC.

Topics: Actins; Biology; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Carcinoma, Transitional Cell; Cell Division; Cell Movement; Cell Separation; Culture Media; Endothelium; Epithelial Cells; Fibroblasts; Humans; Keratins; Male; Middle Aged; Mouth Floor; Mouth Neoplasms; Mucin-1; Neoplasm Invasiveness; S100 Proteins; Tongue Neoplasms; Tumor Cells, Cultured

A case of epithelioid sarcoma in the tongue is reported. The patient, a 35 year old woman, presented with a non-ulcerated painful lesion of the tongue. Microscopically, the tumour was characterised by multiple coalescent nodules with central geographic necrosis infiltrating the lingual muscle. The tumour cells were epithelioid with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and atypical nuclei. Immunohistochemically, the tumour cells stained for vimentin, keratin, and epithelial membrane antigen. These morphological and immunohistochemical appearances led to the diagnosis of epithelioid sarcoma of the tongue. Seven years later, the patient died with metastatic dissemination to the scalp, lungs, and brain. No case of epithelioid sarcoma arising in the tongue has been described previously.

Topics: Adult; Brain Neoplasms; Fatal Outcome; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Lung Neoplasms; Sarcoma; Scalp; Skin Neoplasms; Tongue Neoplasms

Cytokeratins (CK), the intermediate filament markers for epithelial cells were analysed in 23 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the tongue and 11 SCC of the alveolar mucosa (AM) by SDS-PAGE, immunoblotting and two dimensional gel electrophoresis. Normal human adult ventral tongue expresses CK nos 4, 5, 6, 13, 14, 16 (17) while the dorsal tongue expresses CK nos 1, 5, 6, 10, 14, 16 (17). CK 5 and CK 14 were not detected in a majority of samples and CK 18, a marker of simple epithelia, was aberrantly expressed in 18 samples. Normal human adult AM expresses CK nos 4, 5, 6, 13, 14, 16 (17). Among 11 SCC of AM, CK 4 and CK 5 were detected in only two samples each. CK 1 and CK 10 were aberrantly expressed in nine and one samples, respectively. The basic CKs such as CK 4, 5 and 14 were not expressed in SCC at both these sites while others like CK 1 and 18 were aberrantly expressed. Thus, non-expression of basic keratin, CK 5, of the oral lining epithelia and aberrant expression of simple epithelial keratins seem to be the major events in malignant transformation in the oral epithelia.

Topics: Adult; Alveolar Process; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; Humans; Immunoblotting; Keratins; Mouth Mucosa; Mouth Neoplasms; Neoplasm Proteins; Tongue Neoplasms

Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) is known as an infiltrating but non-metastasizing tumour of the skin, that derives from sweat glands or follicular epithelium. We report on a rare case of MAC of the tongue. The patient had noticed the tumour for two years with slowly increasing dysphagia but no other symptoms of an oropharynx carcinoma. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses showed a similarity between the tumour derived from Ebner's glands of the tongue and MAC of the sweat glands.

Topics: Aged; Carcinoma, Skin Appendage; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Keratins; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Tongue Neoplasms

This article reports a series of 103 cases of giant cell fibromas occurring in the oral mucosa. The commonest location was the gingiva, followed by the tongue and the buccal mucosa. The mean age of the patients was 27.7 years, and the median age 21 years. Microscopically, the tumors were characterized by the presence of large stellate or angular cells, which occasionally contained several nuclei. Immunohistochemical stains showed that the cells were vimentin-positive but negative for S-100 protein, cytokeratin, leukocyte common antigen, and neurofilament.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Cell Nucleus; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Fibroma; Giant Cells; Gingival Neoplasms; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Leukocyte Common Antigens; Male; Middle Aged; Mouth Mucosa; Mouth Neoplasms; Neurofilament Proteins; S100 Proteins; Tongue Neoplasms; Vimentin

We established a human tongue cancer (well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma) xenograft line, LK-1, in nude mice. LK-1 showed logarithmic growth from 5 to 7 weeks after transplantation, and the take rate for 25 generations was 95.0%. We confirmed the expression of cytokeratins 1, 5, 7, 10, 14, 16, 17, 18 and 19, and type I, III, IV and V collagens by electrophoretical and immunohistochemical analyses. Although the amount of type I, IV and V collagens increased gradually from 5 weeks after transplantation, the distribution of type IV collagen was often discontinuous in the cancer basement membrane. From these data we concluded that LK-1 is an excellent model for the investigation of the cell biology of well-differentiated oral squamous cell carcinoma, and for examining the effects of clinical therapies for this disease.

Topics: Adult; Animals; Biomarkers, Tumor; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cell Differentiation; Collagen; Female; Humans; Intermediate Filament Proteins; Keratins; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Nude; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neoplasm Proteins; Neoplasm Transplantation; Tongue Neoplasms; Tumor Cells, Cultured

A case of intraductal papilloma occurring in the anterior lingual salivary gland (Blandin-Nuhn's gland) of a 58-year-old woman is presented. This location has not been reported previously. The results of histologic and immunohistochemical studies point to an epithelial origin of excretory salivary gland ducts and also demonstrate the secretory potential of the tumor cells.

Topics: Antigens, Neoplasm; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Lactoferrin; Membrane Glycoproteins; Middle Aged; Mucin-1; Papilloma; S100 Proteins; Salivary Gland Neoplasms; Salivary Glands, Minor; Tongue Neoplasms

A survey of 4342 oral pathology reports accumulated over a five-year period was performed. Diagnoses were 1090 irritation fibromas and 116 giant cell fibromas. A statistical comparison was then made between the giant cell fibromas and the irritation fibromas to determine if there were any differences between these two lesions with respect to sex or race predilection, age distribution, or location in the oral cavity. Finally, various staining techniques were performed on the giant cell fibromas in an attempt to ascertain the origin of the giant cells present in these lesions. The results will be discussed in this paper.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Child; Child, Preschool; Collagen; Epithelium; Female; Fibroma; Giant Cells; Gingival Neoplasms; Humans; Hyperplasia; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Keratins; Male; Middle Aged; Mouth Neoplasms; Palatal Neoplasms; Tongue Neoplasms

In dyskeratosis congenita, the hyperkeratotic lesions affecting the mucous membranes have a propensity to undergo malignant change. Unfortunately there is presently no reliable method for predicting such an outcome. Oral mucosal biopsies were obtained from a case of dyskeratosis congenita and keratin expression identified using a panel of antikeratin antibodies. Marked changes were found from keratin profiles established for normal oral mucosa. In particular coexpression of three separate type 1 keratins (K16, K10 and K13) were observed in the ventral tongue lesion. The keratin pattern found in the tissue biopsies examined is suggestive of an unusually immature or disturbed state of tissue differentiation, and as such may be indicative of future malignant change.

Topics: Child; Epithelium; Humans; Hyperplasia; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Leukoplakia, Oral; Male; Nail Diseases; Rothmund-Thomson Syndrome; Tongue; Tongue Neoplasms

To establish why the lateral border of tongue is the site of predilection for the development of hairy leukoplakia (HL) and to understand its likely behavior, the pattern of keratin expression was compared in 8HL lesions with matched controls in an immunocytochemical study. Keratins 7, 8, 18 were absent in HL and normals; uniform basal keratin 19 was present in normals but much reduced in HL. Loss of conformationally sensitive epitopes of keratin 14 in lower epithelial layers was seen in HL. Overall expression of non-cornifying keratins 4/13 was reduced in HL and completely lost in the parakeratin zone. Expression of the high-turnover keratins 6/16 was reduced in HL. The HL keratin phenotype suggests that no dysplastic change is likely, but in contrast there is enhanced differentiation, which suggests a benign course for the condition.

Topics: Adult; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Leukoplakia, Oral; Male; Middle Aged; Prognosis; Tongue Neoplasms

Avidin-Biotin Peroxidase complex technique, ABV staining, was employed by using monoclonal anti-keratin antibody HK2 in this study. The organization and dynamics of keratins in both interphase and mitotic T56 and HeLa cells were analysed. We also observed the effects of microtubule (MT) and microfilament (MF) inhibitors, colchicine and cytochalasin B, on the organization of keratin filaments in T56 and HeLa cells. The results showed that a significant alteration in the structural organization and distribution of keratin filaments occurred during mitosis, and an extensive rearrangement of keratin networks of the two cell lines was induced in interphase after the MT and MF were disrupted by combined treatment with the two drugs, colchicine and cytochalasin B; the keratin networks turned into a star-like lattice rapidly within 1-2h. Neither colchicine nor cytochalasin B alone elicited significant organizational change in the keratin networks of the two cell lines.

Topics: Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Colchicine; Cytochalasin B; HeLa Cells; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Tongue Neoplasms; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Topics: Animals; Carcinoma; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Female; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Keratins; S100 Proteins; Salivary Gland Neoplasms; Salivary Glands; Salivary Glands, Minor; Tongue Neoplasms

A case of myofibroblastoma arising in the tongue of a 77-year-old man is described. The patient presented with a submucosal tongue mass without other associated symptoms. The tumor was 2 cm in diameter, well circumscribed, and composed of uniform spindle cells arranged in fascicles. Electron microscopic examination and immunohistochemistry demonstrated a myofibroblastic origin for the tumor cells. DNA flow cytometric analysis showed a diploid DNA content of this tumor. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of myofibroblastoma occurring in the tongue.

Topics: Actins; Aged; Collagen; Desmin; Flow Cytometry; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Leiomyoma; Male; Microscopy, Electron; S100 Proteins; Tongue Neoplasms

Rhabdomyomas, which are rare striated muscle neoplasms, may occur on oral or genital mucosal surfaces as well as on the skin. Little discussion of rhabdomyomas occurs in any dermatology or dermatopathology literature. We report an 84-year-old patient who had a rhabdomyoma of her lateral tongue and discuss the clinical and histologic characteristics of this unusual type of benign neoplasm.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Rhabdomyoma; S100 Proteins; Tongue Neoplasms

An extrarenal malignant rhabdoid tumor of the tongue in a 10-day-old boy is described. The tumor produced severe respiratory distress and had an aggressive clinical course. The patient died 17 days after the initial diagnosis. The tumor was mostly composed of poorly differentiated, round, polygonal or elongated cells. Ultrastructural examination showed intracytoplasmic filamentous inclusions in many of the cells. The cytoplasm was diffusely positive to anti-vimentin antibodies with focal, scarce positivity to anti-keratin antibodies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of malignant rhabdoid tumor of the oral cavity.

Topics: Cell Nucleus; Cytoplasm; Cytoskeleton; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Keratins; Male; Tongue Neoplasms; Vimentin

This study examines the expression of anchorage independence and tumorigenicity in early cultures of oral rat keratinocytes. The epithelial cell lines originated from the palatal and the lingual mucosa of rats that had been painted with the carcinogen 4-nitroquinoline N-oxide. The colony forming efficiency (CFE) in gel culture of the cell lines derived from five squamous cell carcinomas of the tongue and palate predominantly increased with passage in culture. Carcinoma-derived cell lines that had a relatively high CFE (greater than 2.5%) formed tumours when transplanted to athymic mice, but cells in which the CFE was less than 2.5% were non-tumorigenic. Keratinocytes from a dysplastic palatal lesion were immortal, anchorage dependent and non-tumorigenic. A lingual papilloma cell line consistently expressed a very low CFE but was tumorigenic at the higher culture passages. The results show that the routine passage of cells in culture leads to the emergence of the anchorage independent and tumorigenic phenotypes in keratinocytes of malignant origin and, further, suggest that anchorage independence and tumorigenicity may exist as distinct phenotypes, with anchorage independence preceding tumorigenicity.

Topics: Animals; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cell Adhesion; Epidermal Cells; Keratins; Mice; Mice, Nude; Neoplasms, Experimental; Palatal Neoplasms; Papilloma; Phenotype; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Tongue Neoplasms; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Thirty-one cases of early invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lateral border of the tongue were analyzed histologically; 9 were also serially sectioned. Three-dimensional reconstruction graphics showed that most of the invasive islands were connected with the adjacent epithelium, in spite of the apparent separation of islands on one histological section. Deep elongation, branching-off of rete processes and the narrowing of each junction of branches were frequently observed. Early invasive patterns were characteristic and classified into the following 4 prototypes: droplet (17 cases); elongating (12 cases); invaginating (1 case); and reticular (1 case) invasion. Marked cellular atypia was not often seen either in the carcinoma or the adjacent epithelium. Some of these cases showed little cellular atypia. These results suggested that not only cellular atypia, but also such morphological architectures (structural atypia), as the elongation and branching-off of rete processes, the increased number of separated islands, epithelial invagination, and the shortening of the distances between the surface epithelium and the underlying muscle layer, must be taken into consideration as being histological features of carcinomatous changes.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cell Nucleus; Cytoplasm; Epithelium; Female; Humans; Keratins; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Tongue Neoplasms

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigen expression has been postulated to have an important role in host defences against tumour development. In this study the expression of MHC class I and class II antigens in vitro, both constitutive and in response to interferon gamma (IFN gamma), was examined in a series of cell lines established from a rat model of oral carcinogenesis. Constitutive expression of MHC class I and class II antigens was not related to the degree of malignancy of the cell lines, as reflected by their anchorage independence in agarose gels and their capacity to form tumours in athymic mice. MHC class I response to IFN gamma stimulation did not correlate with tumorigenicity, but the MHC class II response was significantly decreased in one of the four tumorigenic cell lines. The results show that the expression of MHC antigens in response to IFN gamma varied between different keratinocyte cell lines but did not consistently reflect the tumorigenic phenotype.

Topics: Animals; Antigens, Surface; Cell Line; Epidermis; Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; Interferon-gamma; Keratins; Palatal Neoplasms; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Tongue Neoplasms; Tumor Stem Cell Assay

Intermediate filament subunits as well as components of the extracellular matrix, were localized in three cases of granular cell tumor of the tongue. Of the five intermediate filament families, only vimentin was present within the tumor cells. No labeling was obtained with antibodies to cytokeratin, desmin, neurofilaments, and glial filaments; this suggests that this tumor is not derived from epithelium, muscle, neural, or astrocytic origins, respectively. Immunofluorescent staining of the tissue with antibodies to fibronectin and to collagen indicated that the tumor contained low levels of these extracellular matrix proteins. The results suggest the possible use of antibodies to intermediate filaments as histogenetic markers for the clarification of the origin of tumors whose nature cannot be unequivocally determined by conventional histopathologic methods.

Topics: Aged; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Collagen; Cytoskeleton; Desmin; Female; Fibronectins; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Intermediate Filaments; Keratins; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Proteins; Neoplasms, Muscle Tissue; Tongue Neoplasms; Vimentin

Patterns of cytokeratin expression in squamous cell carcinomas of the tongue were examined by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of cytoskeletal proteins and by immunofluorescence microscopy using antibodies specific for certain cytokeratins. The results were compared with those obtained from normal tongue mucosa. All carcinomas examined synthesized large amounts of cytokeratins as well as of desmosomal proteins such as desmoplakin(s) but differed from the normal tissue by the specific cytokeratin pattern expressed and by their heterogeneity of expression, which in immunofluorescence microscopy resulted in patchy, staining patterns. In general, the carcinomas showed a reduction of the amount of certain cytokeratins such as Nos. 4 and 13 which are abundant in normal epithelium. On the other hand, some other cytokeratins were present in relatively increased proportions, and certain subtypes of lingual carcinomas revealed, in addition, significant levels of cytokeratins 8 and 19 which are commonly considered to be typical of simple epithelial cells and tumours derived therefrom. To explain the differences of cytokeratin patterns between these tumours and normal epithelium as well as between different forms of squamous cell carcinomas two hypotheses are discussed, i.e. clonal selection of certain cells present in the original epithelium, probably in the basal layer(s), and different pathways of differentiation in the cell progeny derived from the transformed cell(s) of origin. The heterogeneity of cytoskeletal protein patterns in different lingual carcinomas, which was also noted for oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal and laryngeal carcinomas, is discussed in relation to different kinds of response to therapeutical treatment.

Topics: Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; Epithelium; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Humans; Keratins; Tongue; Tongue Neoplasms

A human cancer cell line (ZK-1) has been established from a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. The cytokeratin polypeptides pattern of ZK-1 cells consists of four major polypeptides with molecular weights between 46 and 58 kilodaltons (kd). Antibodies raised against the purified 58 kd cytokeratin filament from cultured ZK-1 cells were shown to be specific by one- and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, immunofluorescence, and immunoelectron microscopy. Immunoprecipitation studies showed that the antibody reacted mainly with the 58 kd cytokeratin. The distribution of the 58 kd cytokeratin in both sparse and confluent cultures was analyzed by the indirect immunofluorescence technique. In both cases, it appeared that fibrillar arrays extended throughout the cytoplasm running over the nucleus and toward cell-to-cell boundaries. Thick bundles of filaments were seen in confluent cultures, especially in large and flattened keratinized cells. Characteristically, reactions were also seen in the intercellular boundaries, appearing as "dots." Electron microscopy using immunoperoxidase techniques indicated that the 58 kd cytokeratin was localized in tonofilaments, tonofilaments attached to desmosomes, desmosomal plaques and membrane-coating granules.

Topics: Antibodies; Antibody Specificity; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cells, Cultured; Cytoskeleton; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Humans; Keratins; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Tongue Neoplasms

The process of differentiation in keratinocytes is accompanied by specific membrane and cytoplasmic changes. Using simple tissue culture techniques a well differentiated squamous carcinoma cell line is shown to exhibit in vitro keratinization with the formation of a multilayered structure and shedding of cells with a cornified envelope. The cell line produces tumours when xenografted into mice which are well differentiated and indistinguishable at the light and electron microscope level from the original surgical biopsy. It is concluded that the tumour will provide a suitable model for detailed in vitro and in vivo studies to compare both biological and pathological features of normal keratinocytes and their malignant counterparts.

Topics: Animals; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cell Differentiation; Cell Line; Immunosuppression Therapy; Keratins; Mice; Mice, Nude; Microscopy, Electron; Neoplasm Transplantation; Neoplasms, Experimental; Tongue Neoplasms

The presence of sebaceous glands within the oral mucosa is not uncommon. Such Fordyce granules are frequently seen on the buccal mucosa and lips, as well as in the retromolar area, gingiva, and palate. Whereas sebaceous elements are rarely encountered on the tongue, three cases of ectopic sebaceous glands have been reported in association with apparently patent thyroglossal ducts. An interesting case of a previously unreported sebaceous choristoma of the thyroglossal duct is described.

Topics: Choristoma; Epithelium; Humans; Keratins; Male; Middle Aged; Sebaceous Glands; Thyroid Gland; Tongue; Tongue Neoplasms

Oral carcinoma in situ (CIS) as a histopathologic entity was studied in seventy-seven patients to determine the clinical and histologic parameters of the disease. There were forty-nine male and twenty-eight female patients, with 45.1 per cent of the lesions being described clinically as white, 15.9 per cent as red, and 8.5 per cent as a combination of the two. The high-risk sites for CIS were floor of the mouth (23.2 per cent of all lesions), tongue (22.0 per cent), and lips (in males only, 19.5 per cent). Histologically, there was a considerable range of variation in surface keratinization, thickness of epithelium, and certain cytologic alterations. The most consistent of all cytologic changes was loss of orientation of cells. There is no information available concerning possible regression of oral CIS, as is known for CIS of uterine cervix. Furthermore, there is no information concerning the frequency of or the period of transition from oral CIS to invasive carcinoma or whether all oral carcinoma is preceded by CIS. Further studies on this disease are essential.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Carcinoma in Situ; Cell Nucleus; Color; Cytoplasm; Epithelial Cells; Female; Humans; Keratins; Lip Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Mouth Floor; Mouth Mucosa; Mouth Neoplasms; Palatal Neoplasms; Precancerous Conditions; Sex Factors; Tongue Neoplasms

The occurrence of intracytoplasmic desmosomes in normal, hyperplastic, and hyperkeratotic epithelia, in carcinoma-in-situ and in invasive carcinoma of the human oral cavity is demonstrated by electron microscopy. The mechanism for formation of these structures by invagination, separation and by intracytoplasmic incorporation of plasma membrane-desmosome-complexes are described in various oral epithelia, and other possible mechanisms are discussed. Intracytoplasmic desmosomes may occur in normal and pathological keratinocytes of all layers of the oral epithelium. Their ultrastructure in the peripheral cytoplasm is similar to that of the regular desmosomes on the cell surface. However, as they migrate centripetally, they show signs of degeneration, suggesting dissolution by lysosomal enzyme systems. Various surface membrane alterations involved in the formation of intracytoplasmic desmosomes may lead to a reduction of plasma membrane material and of desmosome structures and to defective intercellular adhesion. The intracytoplasmic incorporation of desmosome structures is a ubiquitous phenomenon exhibited by epithelial keratinocytes under certain physiological or pathological conditions.

Topics: Carcinoma in Situ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cell Membrane; Cytoplasm; Desmosomes; Epithelial Cells; Epithelium; Humans; Keratins; Mouth Neoplasms; Palate; Tongue; Tongue Neoplasms

Topics: Animals; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Biopsy; Bleomycin; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Culture Techniques; Desmosomes; Ear Neoplasms; Epiglottis; Glycogen; Humans; Keratins; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Maxillary Neoplasms; Mice; Microscopy, Electron; Mouth Neoplasms; Neoplasms, Experimental; Palatal Neoplasms; Tongue Neoplasms; Tonsillar Neoplasms