P53 IMMUNOSTAINING AS A MARKER FOR ORAL-CANCER IN DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY - PRELIMINARY-REPORT

The expression of p53 in oral mucosal disorders is strongly associated with malignant disease. Smears from normal and malignant oral mucosa were investigated for the presence of p53 using CMI polyclonal antibod y against p53 protein. The expression of p53 in smears was compared wi th the expression of the marker in biopsies from these oral carcinomas . p53 was identified in eight smears from 12 biopsy positive oral canc ers. It was not seen in smears from eight p53-negative oral cancers an d 40 smears from normal oral mucosa. It is suggested that expression o f p53 in smears from a clinically suspicious lesion may be of value in the diagnosis of oral carcinoma.