Expression of the tumour suppressor gene p53 in oral cancer.

In this preliminary series, the product of the tumour suppressor gene p53 was detected in 12/15 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and in two cases of leukoplakia. The tumours either expressed the mutant form of p53 throughout the specimen or contained focal areas of positive cells. p53 expression was commonly observed in tumours obtained from patients who were heavy smokers and drinkers suggesting that alterations in the p53 gene may be one of the sites of genetic damage in this group of patients.