MAGE-A as a novel approach in the diagnostic accuracy of oral squamous cell cancer: a case report.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this case report is to introduce the combined use of brush biopsy and measurement of MAGE-A expression in the diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).


METHODS
We report of a 49-year old male patient who was referred to our department with a persistent-suspicious looking leukoplakia. Brush biopsy and an incisional biopsy were performed following clinical diagnosis. Histopathological examination revealed no malignancy. Expression analysis of melanoma-associated antigens A (MAGE-A) using real time RT-PCR was applied to brush biopsy materials because of the high prevalence of MAGE-A determined previously in OSCC's. Results indicated significant MAGE-A3 and A4 expression pattern. Therefore, the lesion was excised completely and an early invasive carcinoma was identified.


CONCLUSIONS
These results emphasize the role of brush biopsy using a tumor marker with a high expression frequency combined with a high sensitive and high specific detection system in the early diagnosis of OSCC, particularly in widespread leukoplakias.
Metzler
Philipp
P
Department of Craniomaxillofacial and Oral Surgery, University of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 24, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland. Philipp.Metzler@usz.ch
Mollaoglu
Nur
N
Schwarz
Stephan
S
Neukam
Friedrich W
FW
Nkenke
Emeka
E
Ries
Jutta
J
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000235:genetics*; D001706:Biopsy; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; C072013:MAGEA3 protein, human; C095204:MAGEA4 protein, human; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger