[Significance of VEGF expression and microvessel count in oral carcinoma].

Objective: To evaluate the clinical significance of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) expression in oral carcinomas.

Methods: Immunohistochemical staining(SABC) was used to quantify VEGF expression in specimens from 56 patients with oral carcinomas. SPSS statistical software was used for analysis.

Results: VEGF expression was observed in 29 of the patients(51.8%). The microvessel count was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the oral carcinomas with VEGF expression than in the oral carcinomas without it. In the clinicopathologic factors, lymph node metastasis(P < 0.05) and differentiated degree (P < 0.05) were significantly correlated with VEGF expression, but there was no significantly correlation between the clinicopathologic stage and VEGF positive expression. The 5-year survival rate after curative surgery was better in the patients without VEGF expression (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: This study indicates that VEGF expression is associated with angiogenesis, VEGF is one of the main angiogenic factors for oral carcinomas. Quantification of VEGF in oral tissues may provide a valuable marker for the prognosis of patients with oral carcinomas.