Myofibroblast stromal presence and distribution in squamous epithelial carcinomas, oral dysplasia and hyperkeratosis.

Purpose: Stromal elements play a key role in growth and development of different neoplasms. Myofibroblasts are the major components and occur in stromal tissue during carcinogenesis processes. The purpose of this study was to review the frequency and the distribution pattern of myofibroblasts(αSMA-positive) in the stroma of squamous epithelial carcinoma and to compare values with those for with oral dysplasia and hyperkeratosis.