Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Fibromatoses are divided into two groups as superficial fibromatoses and deep fibromatoses, which have different immunohistochemical profiles and clinical characteristics despite of their similar microscopic findings. Our aim was to evaluate the expressions of ER-α, ER-β, β-catenin, EGFR, CD117, p53, Ki-67 and mitotic rate in superficial and deep fibromatoses.

METHODS

Thirty-seven cases consisting of 15 superficial and 22 deep fibromatoses were reevaluated as regards ER-α, ER-β, β-catenin, EGFR, CD117, p53 expressions, Ki-67 proliferative index and the mitotic rate. Two groups were compared statistically and discussed.

RESULTS

ER-α expression was not observed in any case. ER-β and β-catenin expressions were more intense in the deep fibromatoses group. The ER-β intensity, β-catenin expression, Ki-67 proliferation index and mitotic rates were statistically significantly higher in the deep fibromatoses group (p=0.04, 0.01, 0.001, 0.001 respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in CD117, EGFR, and p53 expressions between the groups.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

ER-β intensity, β-catenin and Ki-67 expression rates and the mitotic index were statistically significantly higher in the deep fibromatoses group in our study. We suggest that these markers may have predictive value in determining the course of the lesions.