Tumor angiogenesis is essential for the progression and metastases of solid tumors. Microvessel density(MVD), a measure of tumor angiogenesis, has a prognostic significance in many types of tumors for predicting metastasis and survival. This study had two primary goals: 1. To determine how MVD correlates with tumor invasion in early squamous cell carcinoma(SCC) of the uterine cervix, and 2. To compare p53 protein expression in normal tissue with squamous cell lesions of the uterine cervix.

Quantification of MVD was performed on 59 specimens of cervical squamous cell lesions by immunohistochemical staining for factor VIII-related antigen. MVD was counted in a x200 field in the most active area of neovascularization. The same tumor sections were also immunohistochemically stains for p53 protein.

1. Compared with nonneoplastic areas, the degree of MVD was significantly increased in low- grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, and squamous cell carcinomas(p=0.045). Microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma showed the highest MVD value. 2. p53 protein expression was increased in greater severity cases compared with mild cases(p=0.000).

In the uterine cervix, MVD was significantly increased in microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma. p53 protein expression was well correlated with progression of squamous cell lesions.