[Expression and significance of PTEN protein in tongue squamous cell carcinoma].
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.
Wang
Qiu-xu
QX
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Second Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China. qiuxvwang@hotmail.com
Wang
Da-li
DL
Sun
Chang-fu
CF
Wang
Tian-xiang
TX