OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to investigate the role of cell morphometric factor (FC) and the average density of light in squamous cell carcinomas at the floor of mouth by immunohistochemical method (SABC).

METHODSThe slices made from the paraffin specimens of 28 patients with squamous cell carcinomas at the floor of mouth were stained by the immunohistochemical technique with monoclonal antibody CK10 and CK14. In these stained slices the FC parameters and the average density of light were measured by using an image analysis system.

RESULTSIn primitive tumors, the FC parameters and the average density of light were significantly different between positive and negative lymph nodes metastasis or between different pathological grades (P < 0.05 or < 0.001). The significance was not existed among clinical stages (P > 0.05). The difference of FC expressed in positive and negative lymph nodes metastasis were significant (P < 0.05 or < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONThe cell morphometric factor (FC) parameters and the average density of light of CK10 and CK14 could be used as a biological guideline to evaluate the clinically infiltrative and metastasic potential of squamous cell carcinoma at the floor of mouth.