Determination of p53 expression in basal cell carcinoma tissues and adjacent nontumoral epidermis from sun-exposed areas of the head and neck.

BACKGROUND This study determines the expression of P53 protein and the intensity of immunoreactivity in basal cell carcinoma in comparison with the adjacent nontumoral epidermis in sun-exposed areas of the head and neck regions. The mean age of immunoreactivity in tumoral and adjacent nontumoral epidermis is also determined. METHODS This descriptive-analytical study was performed retrospectively over a 5-year period on 150 basal cell carcinoma cases in the Pathology Department of Alzahra Hospital in Isfahan. Proper quality paraffin blocks were chosen for immunohistochemical staining for P53 through the immunoperoxidase method. The intensity of immunoreactivity was graded. The age of the patients was also recorded. RESULTS Positive P53 immunoreactivity was observed in 123 basal cell carcinoma tissues (82%) and in 117 adjacent nontumoral epidermis (78%) (P = 0.38). The frequency of severe immunoreactivity in tumoral tissue and in adjacent nontumoral epidermis was 46% and 32%, respectively (P = 0.046). The mean age of P53 expression was 66.2 years for tumoral tissue and 66.1 years for nontumoral epidermis. The mean age of those who did not express P53 was 52.6 and 55.9 years for the tumoral and nontumoral epidermis, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION No significant difference was detected between P53 immunoreactivity in tumoral tissue and adjacent nontumoral epidermis. Intensity of P53 immunoreactivity was greater in tumoral specimens. Comparison of mean ages showed a significant difference between P53-expressing and non-P53-expressing groups.