Expression of fatty acid synthase (FASN) in oral nevi and melanoma.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the expression of fatty acid synthase (FASN) in oral nevi and melanomas, comparing the results with correspondent cutaneous lesions.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Expression of FASN was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 51 oral melanocytic lesions, including 38 intramucosal nevi and 13 primary oral melanomas, in 10 cutaneous nevi and in 14 melanomas.

RESULTS

Fatty acid synthase was strongly expressed only in melanomas, either of the oral mucosa or cutaneous. On the other hand, most oral and cutaneous nevi were negative, with a few oral cases showing focal and weak expression.

CONCLUSION

Fatty acid synthase is expressed in malignant melanocytes, and it can be a helpful marker to distinguish oral melanomas from oral melanocytic nevi.