Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in basal cell tumours and in squamous cell carcinomas of canine skin.

The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was evaluated immunohistochemically in 20 basal cell tumours (BCTs) and 15 squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) of canine skin. VEGF was identified in all the SCCs and was particularly striking in those occurring on the toe. On the other hand, VEGF was absent in the great majority of BCTs, occurring only in those of the solid type. The results suggest that presence of VEGF is a useful additional criterion for evaluating malignancy and growth potential in tumours of these types.