title: Prognostic relevance of DNA image cytometry in oral cavity carcinomas.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the relation of DNA content of squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity to clinicopathologic features by image cytometry.
  
  
  METHODS
  A series of 52 patients with operable oral cavity carcinomas at stage T1-4 and NO-3 were studied. The tumors were classified according to the TNM classification and graded histopathologically.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A positive correlation between tumor size and ploidy status was observed. There was a significant correlation between ploidy status and histologically proven existence of cervical lymph node metastases (61% nondiploid versus 29% diploid, P < .03). A relationship between histopathologic grade and ploidy status could not be proven. The cumulative five-year survival rate among patients with diploid DNA findings as opposed to those with nondiploid findings was significantly increased (P < .03).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  When assessing the prognosis of squamous cell carcinomas, DNA cytometry analysis can be used as an additional method. The significantly higher N stage, a higher frequency of metastases and a significantly lower survival rate with nondiploid tumors underline the importance of this examination method.
authors.affiliation: Department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Dresden University of Technology, Germany.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Schimming
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hlawitschka
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Haroske
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Eckelt
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001706:Biopsy; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology*; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000473:pathology*; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D011003:Ploidies; D011379:Prognosis
chemical_list: D004273:DNA, Neoplasm