Background and objectives: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is known for its capacity to metastasize via lymphatic vessels. In recent studies, the level of lymphangiogenesis has been reported as a potential prognostic factor for several skin tumors. The aim of this study was to quantify lymphangiogenesis in SCC using either computer-assisted image analysis or the Chalkley count technique. Vascular parameters were evaluated and compared with respect to their predictive power for tumor metastasis.
Patient and methods: In this case-control study, clinical and histological data of 15 metastatic and 15 nonmetastatic SCC patients were retrospectively analyzed. SCC samples were immunostained for the lymphatic endothelial marker D2-40 and the panvascular marker CD31, and analyzed using computer-assisted morphometric image analyses within hot spots as well as the digitalized Chalkley counting method.
Results: Lymphatic vessel density, relative lymphatic vessel area, and lymphatic Chalkley count were significantly elevated in metastatic SCC. Tumor thickness was significantly higher in metastatic SCC, and had the highest predictive power for metastatic disease. Tumor thickness was a significant predictor of lymphangiogenic parameters.
Conclusions: Lymphangiogenesis is elevated in metastatic SCC but its extent is influenced by tumor thickness. Tumor thickness remains the most reliable predictive factor for metastatic disease.
© 2016 Deutsche Dermatologische Gesellschaft (DDG). Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.