The influence of differing dissection techniques on p53 as a possible indicator for local recurrences in carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract

Background: A correlation between the occurence of p53 protein in margins a fter tumor resection has been proposed as indicator for recurrence. This st udy should clarify, whether differences occur in p53 protein detection afte r laser surgery as opposed to surgery with the scalpel. Material and Method s: Healthy mucosa of the oropharynx (n=28) and squamous cell carcinoma of t he head and neck (SCCHN) (n=19) were excised with scalpel, CO2 and Nd:YAG l aser and then examined for the presence of p53 protein with immunohistochem istry and ELISA. Results. The occurrence of p53 protein in SCCHN was depend ent on the applied resection technique. In lasersurgically excised tissue o nly a small zone adjacent to the cutting edge was found to be negative for p53. This tone of necrosis was smaller in margins after CO2 than after Nd:Y AG laser resection. Conclusions: Lasersurgical excision does only inhibit t he detection of p53 in the zone of necrosis.