title: [Expression and significance of PTEN protein in tongue squamous cell carcinoma].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the expressions and clinical significance of PTEN protein in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC).
  
  
  METHODS
  The expressions of PTEN at protein level was investigated in 74 cases of TSCC and 15 cases of normal peripheral tissues around cancer (as control) by strep avidin-biotin complex (SABC) immunohistochemical technique. Mann-Whitney U-test, Pearson's Chi-square test and Fisher exact test were used to analyze the data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The rates of the positive expression in normal tissue and TSCC of PTEN were 100% and 66.2% respectively (P<0.05). Pathological grade and T stage were not significantly related with the level of PTEN expression (P>0.05). There was significant correlation between the level of PTEN expression and cervical lymph node status (P<0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Expressions of PTEN is correlated with cervical lymphnode metastasis in tongue squamous cell carcinoma.
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Second Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China. qiuxvwang@hotmail.com
authors: Qiu-xu
authors: QX
authors: Wang
authors: Da-li
authors: DL
authors: Wang
authors: Chang-fu
authors: CF
authors: Sun
authors: Tian-xiang
authors: TX
authors: Wang