Evaluation of Type IV Collagen Expression in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Larynx

Abstract

The aim of this study was an immunohistochemical assessment of the basement membrane antigen collagen IV (Col IV) in squamous cell carcinomas of the larynx and their respective nodal metastases. Forty radical laryngectomy specimens from 2009 to 2011 were randomly selected for this study. Tumor blocks were immunostained using the monoclonal antibody CIV 22 (Dako, Denmark). Col IV was evaluated using a semiquantitative morphometric method and graded according to its quantity and continuity. Col IV expression and epithelium-stroma interface (TESI) showed highly significant differences between the surface and deepness of larynx tumors. As for TESI, there was a strong relation between tumors with and without lymph node metastases. There was no correlation between desmoplasia and TESI disarrangement, but the latter had a highly significant relationship with histological grade. Col IV expression was independent of the histological grading of the tumor. The results of the present study show an altered distribution of collagen type IV with a significant loss in all cases of laryngeal cancer, reflecting tumor aggressiveness.