Lectin-binding affinities of human epidermal tumors and related conditions

Paraffin-embedded sections from a variety of epidermal lesions were stained with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled concanavalin A and examined by a fluorescence microscope. Seventy-six normal, hyperplastic, and neoplastic tissues were examined. Lectin binding was demonstrated in all malignant tumors, the fluorescence being confined to the plasma membrane of the tumor cells. Normal and hyperplastic tissues either failed to stain or showed a grossly diminished level of fluorescence. The distinction between malignant and normal of hyperplastic cells was clear-cut and definite.