Transferrin receptor expression in oral tumors.

Transferrin receptor expression in oral tumors was examined by staining with monoclonal antibody against the human transferrin receptor. The cells with positive reaction were recognized in the basal and parabasal layers of the normal epithelium. The staining was found in all the malignant tumors but not in the benign tumors. These results suggest that the immunohistochemical analysis of the transferrin receptor is useful for the diagnosis of oral malignant tumor in addition to the clinical and pathological examinations.