타액선 종양에서 VEGF의 발현 및 미세혈관밀도의 의의

VEGF Expression and Microvessel Density in Salivary Gland Tumor

Objectives: Angiogenesis is the process of new blood vessel development from preexisting vessel. The growth of tumor is dependent on angiogenesis. This study was aimed to determine the role of the VEGF expression and MVD(microvessel density) in salivary gland tumors and to analyze the correlation between the expression of VEGF/MVD, and clinical manifestation. Material and Methods: We analyzed the expression of VEGF and average MVD and neo-MVD in the 57 cases of salivary gland tumors by immunohistochemistry. Results: VEGF expression was higher in malignant tumors than in benign tumors. Average and neo-MVD were not different in benign tumor and malignant tumor. There was a tendency of positive correlation between VEGF expression and MVD but it was not statistically significant. Stage, T stage and recurrance rate were not correlated with VEGF expression, average-MVD and neo-MVD. Expression of VEGF, average-MVD and neo-MVD were significantly increased in Warthin's tumor compared with pleomorphic adenoma. Conclusion: Overexpression of VEGF has an important role in malignant salivary gland tumors.