Flow cytometric analysis of benign and malignant tumors of the oral and maxillofacial region

Abstract

One hundred eight fresh tissue samples obtained from normal tissues, benign tumors, and malignant tumors of the oral and maxillofacial region were analyzed for nuclear DNA content and cell kinetics by flow cytometic analysis (FCM). Mean DNA indices for 22 normal tissues and 18 benign tumors were 1.00 and 1.02, respectively, and all samples but one showed diploid pattern. On the other hand, the value for 68 malignant tumors was 1.38, and 66% of them showed an aneuploid pattern. The S phase and G2 + M phase cell populations for malignant tumors were 17.2% and 7.0%, respectively. With the exception of G2 + M phase cell population, all values for malignant tumors were significantly higher than those of normal tissue and benign tumors. Although statistical differences were not observed in most of the values, they were higher in squamous cell carcinomas than in malignant salivary gland tumors. The incidence of aneuploidy and DNA index showed a tendency to increase with the increase of T classification, in N2 and N3 tumors, and in the group of patients with recurrence or who died. The DNA index and the type of DNA ploidy were well correlated to malignancy grade determined by six histologic parameters, whereas the S phase cell population was correlated to mitosis. The analysis by the two-dimensional diagnostic supporting system showed that more than 80% of malignant tumors can be correctly diagnosed by combined values of DNA index and S phase cell population. The results indicate that nuclear DNA analysis by FCM is quite useful as a supplement to histologic diagnosis and evaluation of malignancy grade. © 1989, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. All rights reserved.. All rights reserved.