Immunohistochemical evaluation of tumor angiogenesis and the role of mast cells in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background: Increased angiogenesis has been associated with neoplastic progression, metastasis and outcome in several studies and in a number of malignancies. Among the various host immune cells, mast cells have been implicated in tumor progression by promoting angiogenesis. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between angiogenesis, mast cells with that of the normal oral mucosa (NOM) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using routine haematoxylin and eosin staining procedure and included immunohistochemical staining for microvessels and toluidine blue staining for mast cells. Results: The microvessel density (MVD) and mast cell density (MCD) of two groups (NOM and OSCC). The MVD and MCD in OSCC ranged from 59.18 to 263.31 microvessel/mm2 and 41.65 to 193.28 cells/mm2 respectively with mean (+/- standard deviation) 161.73 +/- 48.27 microvessel/mm2 and 83.59 +/- 40.67 cells/mm2. In both NOM and OSCC, the mean MCD was comparatively lower as compared to respective MVD (MCD < MVD) and comparatively lower in NOM as compared to OSCC (normal < OSCC). Conclusion: A significant correlation is present between MCD and MVD in OSCC and also that both these entities are significantly increased in the disease process when compared to that of the NOM.