Prognostic value of nucleolar organiser regions (AgNORs) in laryngeal cancer.

ABSTRACT

The argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) of 154 biopsy specimens of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma were examined. The silver colloid staining technique was used. For the control, normal laryngeal epithelium obtained from 25 patients with benign lesions of the larynx was examined. There was significant difference in mean AgNORs count between control group and cancer patients. No significant correlation was found between AgNORs count and patients' age and sex, tumour site, T stage and lymph node metastasis. There was a significant correlation between AgNORs number per cell and tumour histological grading. The mean number of AgNORs per nucleus was 3.85 +/- 2.09 in patients with poor and 2.47 +/- 0.71 in patients with satisfactory clinical outcome after treatment. Significant correlation between the mean AgNORs number and survival in univariate and multivariate analysis was documented. Among clinical features the lymph node status and the T stage were important prognostic factors. We conclude that AgNORs may be a potential prognostic marker in laryngeal cancer.