Expression of p53 in primary invasive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and its correlation with clinicopathological parameters

Dysfunction in the p53 tumor suppressor gene is implicated in many cancers, including head and neck cancer, and has received most attention. The present study was designed to evaluate the expression of p53 in primary squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck region, and also the relationship between p53 expression with clinicopathological parameters. 50 specimens of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) were subjected to staining by immunohistochemistry for p53 protein using monoclonal primary antibody. The study revealed 27/50 (54%) cases of HNSCC being positive for p53 protein. Peak incidence was found in the age group of 41-60 years, the most common site being hypopharynx. There was a significant correlation of p53 expression with lymph node metastasis (p-value=0.040). However, no significant correlation was found with the other clinicalpathological parameters.