Image analysis for quantification of nucleolar organizer regions in basal cell carcinoma and seborrheic keratosis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) have recently attracted much attention because of claims that their frequency within nuclei is significantly higher in malignant cells than in normal, reactive, or benign neoplastic cells. The purpose of this paper is to analyze a method allowing selection of the best morphometric criterion for quantifying AgNORs (Silver stained Nucleolar organizer Regions) under conventional observation conditions, by light microscopy.

METHODS: The various parameters including NORs counting in cutaneous tumors using image analysis system were studied.

RESULTS: There were significant differences in mean numbers of AgNORs per nucleus, mean ratio of AgNORs area per nucleus area, mean ratio of greatest AgNORs area per nucleus area, mean nucleus area per a AgNOR, and CV (Coefficient of Variation) of AgNORs area between basal cell carcinoma and seborrheic keratosis.

CONCLUSION: Study of AgNORs using the image analysis system is a useful tool for diagnosis of cutaneous tumors.