Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor‐C correlates with the lymphatic microvessel density and the nodal status in oral squamous cell cancer

Abstract

VEGF-C expression in oral SCC triggers lymphatic angiogenesis, which may result in a higher risk for cervical lymph node metastasis. The angiogenetic effect of VEGF-C may also favour the onset of late lymphatic and haematogenous metastases.