The evaluation of correlation between Angiogenesis and invasion of Basal cell carcinoma
Author(s): Zarichehr Vakili, Maryam Abutalebi Chaleshtari, SyedAlireza Moraveji, Hassan Ehteram
Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin tumor. Although, it is recognized as a tumor with nonaggressive nature but cases with aggressive behaviour have been reported. None of the microscopic morphologic features can predict the aggressive behaviour of this tumor. Since angiogenesis as a known biological factor plays an important role in tumor growth and development, the present study was conducted to determine the role of angiogenesis in aggressiveness of basal cell carcinoma. Based on microscopic features, 96 H&E stained specimens of BCC were classified in 2 aggressive and non-aggressive groups. Then the microvascular density in both groups was determined by IHC staining technique using CD31 monoclonal antibody. Out of 96 examined samples, 63 were invasive and 33 were non-invasive samples. The mean vascular density in the invasive group was 37.5 and in the non-invasive group was 18.63 and there was a significant difference between the two groups (P <0.001). According to the ROC analysis, the sensitivity for vascular density was 92.1%, the specificity was 87.9%, positive predictive value 93.5% and negative predictive value was 85.3%. In tumors with more microscopic morphologic characteristics of aggressiveness, the microvascular density was higher. The microvascular density is higher in more morphologically aggressive tumors. Although none of the morphologic features can explain the aggressive behavior of the tumor alone, the number of microscopic characteristics of invasion and angiogenesis are important in this behavior. Therefore, skin tumors of this type should be investigated for vascular densities to better follow up of the patient
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