Significance of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 neu immunostain in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Introduction: Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common head and neck cancer. In spite of advances in the diagnosis and treatment, a prognosis still remains poor. Head-and Neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is found to express human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her 2) neu marker. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted for a period of 1 year from January to December 2017. All the cases which have been pathologically diagnosed as HNSCC were included in the study. Results: During the study period, a total of 50 cases were observed. Male: female ratio was 1.7:1. In our study, buccal mucosa was the most common site (26'). Well-differentiated morphology was more common (36'), and 34' cases were positive for Her 2 Neu expression. Conclusion: Her 2 neu expression may not be a reliable molecular prognostic marker for HNSCC.

Keywords

• head and neck cancer
• human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 neu
• immunohistochemistry
• oral cancer