Prognostic relevance of DNA image cytometry in oral cavity carcinomas

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relation of DNA con tent of squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity to clinico pathologic features by image cytometry. STUDY DESIGN: A series of 52 patients with operable oral cavity carcinomas at stage T1-4 and N0-3 were studied. The TNM classification and graded histopathologically. RESULTS: A positive correlation between tumor size and ploidy status was observed. There was it significant correlation between ploidy status and histologically proven existence of cervical lymph node metastases (61% nondiploid versus 29% diploid, P<.03). A relationship between histopathologic grade and ploidy status could not be proven. The cumulative five-year survival rate among patients with diploid DNA findings as opposed to those with nondiploid findings was significantly increased (P<.03). CONCLUSION: When assessing the prognosis of squamous cell carcinomas, DNA cytometry analysis can be used as an additional method. The significantly higher N stage, it higher frequency of metastases and a significantly lower survival rate with nondiploid tumors underline the importance of this examination method.