BACKGROUNDTo evaluate the relationship between the CT signs and p53 protein abnormal expression in peripheral lung cancer.

METHODSFifty-two patients with pulmonary masses underwent CT scanning before operation. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect p53 protein expression in pulmonary specimens obtained by operation.

RESULTSThere were significant differences among p53 protein expression and differentiation of lung cancer cell, size of the cancer, tumor appearance, pleura excavation and lymphatic metastasis.

CONCLUSIONSp53 gene mutation indicates the biological behavior of lung cancer and might influence the morphological feature of lung cancer, which remarkably relates to CT signs of lung cancer.