Evaluation of Superficial Oral Squamous Cell Malignancy Based on Morphometry and Immunoexpression of Cytokeratin 13 and Cytokeratin 17

Abstract

Objective: Evaluation of combined morphometry and immunoexpression of cytokeratin 13 (CK13) and cytokeratin 17 (CK17) for cytological identification of superficial oral squamous cells. Study Design: Smears from 11 tongue squamous cell carcinoma patients were processed by liquid-based cytology, stained via the Papanicolaou method and divided into multiple specimens by cell transfer. Morphometric indices, including nuclear area, nuclear perimeter, nuclear circular rate, largest-to-smallest dimension ratio of the nucleus and nucleocytoplasmic ratio, were measured using a computerized analysis system. CK13 and CK17 were detected by immunostaining. Morphometric values were compared between cell populations with distinct staining and immunoexpression patterns. Results: Most orange G-stained superficial cells were negative for CK13 (99.4%) and CK17 (98.6%). For light green-stained superficial cells, loss of CK13 was associated with greater cellular atypia in the nuclear area, nuclear perimeter and nucleocytoplasmic ratio (p < 0.01), while expression of CK17 was related to higher-grade cellular atypia in the same parameters (p < 0.01) as well as the nuclear circular rate (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Immunoexpression of CK13 and CK17 in light green-stained superficial cells was associated with more severe morphological atypia. Combined morphometry and immunoexpression of CK13 and CK17 might be useful for cytological diagnosis of this cell population.

Diagnostic utility of Cytokeratin 13 and Cytokeratin 17 in Oral Epithelial Dysplasia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

“…They specifically considered the superficial oral squamous cells in their study. In their study loss of CK 13 was associated with greater cellular atypia, while expression of CK 17 was related to higher-grade cellular atypia [20]. This is similar to current study where greater cellular atypia i.e.…”

Exfoliative cytology as a tool for monitoring pre‐malignant and malignant lesions based on combined stains and morphometry techniques

“…, applying this methodology, found no significant differences between patients with lesions and controls. Currently, the literature is controversial concerning prediction based on a single cytological method and some studies suggest combining different methods for greater sensitivity in detecting incipient malignant changes and for application in prevention programs .…”

A Study of New Cytodiagnosis Report Format for Liquid-based Oral Cytology in Squamous Cell Carcinoma

“…Furthermore, superficial cells were sometimes necrotized, and accurate diagnosis was difficult. Based on these results, we are considering developing combined cytodiagnosis with cytokeratin 13 and 17double staining and genetic search in the future 8,9) .…”