Immunohistochemical and Molecular Studies on Malignant Transformation in Mature Cystic Teratoma of the Ovary

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine a useful tumor marker for detecting squamous cell carcinoma arising in a dermoid cyst, and to find the molecular pathogenesis of this condition. METHODS: In 4 cases of squamous cell carcinoma arising in a dermoid cyst and 22 cases of dermoid cyst, we studied tissue expressions and serum levels of squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC), CA 19-9 and CA 125, and the mutation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene. RESULTS: Three of 4 malignant cases had either positive SCC expressions or elevated serum SCC levels. The mean serum SCC level in benign cases was below the cut-off level. CA 19-9 and CA 125 were not detected in squamous cell carcinoma. p53 overexpressions were observed in all malignancies. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that the serum SCC might be a useful marker for detecting squamous cell carcinoma arising in a dermoid cyst, and that the mutation of p53 might be one of the genetic events in the malignant transformation of a dermoid cyst.