Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in basal cell tumours andin squamous cell carcinomas of canine skim

The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was evaluated i mmunohistochemically in 20 basal cell tumours (BCTs) and 15 squamous cell c arcinomas (SCCs) of canine skin. VEGF was identified in all the SCCs and wa s particularly striking in those occurring on the toe. On the other hand, V EGF was absent in the great majority of BCTs, occurring only in those of th e solid type. The results suggest that presence of VEGF is a useful additio nal criterion for evaluating malignancy and growth potential in tumours of these types. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.