Expression of MUC1 and MUC2 glycoproteins in laryngeal cancer

The aim of this study was to examine the expression of MUC1 and MUC2 glycoproteins in laryngeal cancer and to determine if mucin expression is related to prognosis. The study included laryngeal specimens from 57 patients comprising of 36 laryngeal carcinomas and 21 normal controls. High MUC1 expression was found in both carcinomas and normal control groups (P = 0.689, Fisher's exact test). High levels of MUC2 expression were only detected in carcinomas versus controls (P = 0.009, Fisher's exact test). Using multivariate analysis neither MUC1 nor MUC2 expression significantly related to survival. MUC1 expression however, did correlate with T stage. Advanced T stage was associated with prognosis (P = 0.001).