title: Loss of beta2 microglobulin from the cell surface of cutaneous malignant and premalignant lesions.
abstract: Biopsies from twenty-three patients with malignant skin lesions and from twenty-two patients with premalignant or benign skin lesions were stained for beta2 microglobulin by use of the immunoperoxidase technique. The results showed a significant loss of demonstrable surface beta2 microglobulin from the surface of malignant cells compared to benign, and a partial loss in the premalignant cases. This difference could prove to be a useful tool in the histological diagnosis of malignant skin lesions, and in assessing whether or not the lesion has been completely excised.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001609:Beta-Globulins / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008297:Male; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000378:metabolism*; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000378:metabolism; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D001609:Beta-Globulins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin