Positive staining for p53 and expression of c-erbB-2 in endosalpinx hyperplasia: analysis of 48 cases and review of literature.

To establish the diagnostic value of p53 and c-erbB-2 expression, forty-eight cases of endosalpinx hyperplasia were analyzed. p53 protein and c-erbB-2 oncoprotein expression was examined using an avidin-biotin peroxidase complex method. The accumulation of p53 protein and c-erbB-2 oncoprotein was used as objective evidence to support morphologic differential diagnosis of endosalpinx hyperplasia and early cancer. In all cases various forms of endosalpinx hyperplasia were seen. Only in 4 cases staining for p53 showed positive reaction without staining for c-erbB-2. In one case positive reaction for c-erbB-2 was showed and no expression of p53 protein was detected. It is concluded that immunohistochemical detection of the mutant p53 protein and c-erbB-2 oncoprotein might be useful tools in differential diagnosis among various forms of hyperplastic changes of endosalpinx. The presence of these markers may be associated with the risk of malignant transformation in various forms of the tubal hyperplasia.