Quantitative DNA measurement in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and surrounding mucosa.
OBJECTIVE
The appearance of local recurrences, distant metastases and second primary tumors limit the survival rate of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. The presence of genetic alterations at the resection margins is an indicator of inadequate excision and a predictor of local failure.


METHODS
To receive insight into the genetic abnormalities in the mucosa surrounding oropharyngeal cancers, we performed a quantitative DNA measurement in the primary tumor and the surrounding areas.


RESULTS
We found a high level of DNA irregularity in primary tumors. The DNA irregularity decreased in specimens taken at a distance of 1 and 2 cm from the tumor margin.


CONCLUSIONS
The genetically altered field is thought to determine the risk for recurrence of a second tumor. We therefore believe that the genetic analysis of tissue surrounding the tumor could become a feasible diagnostic procedure to determine the individual risk for local recurrence or second primary tumors.
Preuss
S F
SF
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, School of Medicine, Mainz, Germany.
Brieger
J
J
Essig
E K
EK
Stenzel
M J
MJ
Mann
W J
WJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology*; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D016609:Neoplasms, Second Primary / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D012307:Risk Factors
D004273:DNA, Neoplasm