Endoglin (CD105) positive microvessel density and its relationship with lymph node metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.

Background: Neovascularization is an important factor for predicting tumor behavior. Evidence suggests that endoglin (CD105) is a powerful marker of neovascularization and determination of microvessel density in several malignancies, and can be used as an agent to predict lymph node metastasis. However, it is controversial, particularly in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.