Distribution of immunoglobulins in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

The immune response with respect to immunoglobulin production in the tumor was investigated in 23 patients with advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. Immunohistochemical staining with monoclonal antibodies against IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD and IgE in the tumor was compared to normal hypopharyngeal mucosa. For IgG, IgA and IgM no significant differences between tumor and control tissues could be found. In contrast, a high number of IgE-positive cells was counted in most squamous cell carcinomas compared to normal mucosa. Most of these cells appeared as plasma cells. Regarding IgD the differences between tumor and control tissues, were less pronounced but also significant.