Microvessel density and VEGF, HIF-1α expression in primary oral melanoma: correlation with prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the role of angiogenesis and hypoxia in cancer progression of primary oral melanoma (POM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen malignant primary melanomas were immunostained with markers CD34, VEGF and HIF-1α. Stained cells were counted in the invasive front and inside the tumour, and the differences were compared and correlated with histological parameters and disease-specific survival of the patients. RESULTS: Tumour invasive front showed increased MVD and increased vessel VEGF and HIF-1α expression compared with the intratumoural compartment. No such differences were seen in tumoural melanocytes of the two compartments. Positive correlations were observed between CD34 and VEGF, CD34 and HIF-1α and VEGF and HIF-1α expression in invasive front vessels. CD34 expression was statistically correlated with the level of infiltration. A significant trend to worse disease-free survival was also determined with increased invasive front vessel expression of CD34, VEGF and HIF-1α. CONCLUSIONS: Our data highlight the importance of the invasive margin in POM biology. The high angiogenic activity and endothelial VEGF and HIF-1α expression in invasive front vessels have a significant impact on patient survival and future agents targeted against VEGF pathway may represent a novel and effective therapeutic opportunity. Larger studies are needed to further address our findings.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma initially diagnosed and treated as hemangioma.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma initially diagnosed and treated as hemangioma. A case diagnosed as having a hemangioma of the soft palate according to clinical and arteriographic findings is discussed. Recurrence appeared one year after embolization. Arteriography showed no vascular lesion and histopathologic study revealed an adenoid cystic carcinoma. It is stated that imaging studies may be insufficient.

Distribution of blood flow in an experimental palatal carcinoma.

Tumor perfusion is an important factor in the success of many common and potential therapeutic and diagnostic modalities. We studied blood flow of an experimental squamous cell carcinoma of the rat palate using the radionuclide-labeled microsphere injection method. Tumors (N = 14) were studied for level and distribution of blood flow, and changes in blood flow with increasing size. The results show a wide variation in the absolute level of perfusion among the tumors, but a consistent pattern of blood flow distribution, with poor perfusion in the central parts and a sharp increase in perfusion at the periphery. The blood flow (in mL/min/100 g) in the five zones from center to periphery were 2.32 +/- 5.7, 5.62 +/- 16.3, 4.20 +/- 6.87, 15.04 +/- 23.6, and 32.31 +/- 41.8. The average level of perfusion decreased as tumor size increased, but the pattern of blood flow distribution remained constant. The data from this study provide an understanding of the basic pattern of blood flow in an experimental squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, and will serve as a foundation to further explore the hemodynamic characteristics of head and neck carcinomas.

Ultrastructural study of hemangiomas. 2. Benign hemangioendothelioma of the hard palate.

A case of benign hemangioendothelioma which occurred in the hard palate was observed and its electron microscopic findings were described. The endothelial cells contained an abundance of cytoplasmic filaments, but they contained a small number of Weibel-Palade bodies. Two types of endothelial cells, light and dark, were found in our specimen. The former had a cytoplasm with an abundance of ribosomes, rough endoplasmic reticulum and scant filaments. The latter had a cytoplasm with numerous cytoplasmic filaments and a well-developed Golgi apparatus. Tight junctions were seen between the endothelial cells. The majority of the pericytes were accompanied with the vessels in the tumor. Three types of pericytes were recognized: endothelial cell-like, fibroblast-like, and smooth muscle cell-like pericytes.