Argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNOR) in tumours of pharynx and larynx

Benign and Malignant squamous cell tumours from pharynx and larynx have been studied by silver colloidal staining technique for quantitative analysis of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNOR) per nucleus and to assess its significance in differentiating the benign from malignant tumours. A total of 23 neoplasms including 8 squamous papillomas from larynx, 5 squamous cell cracinomas from larynx and 10 squamous carcinomas from pharynx have been studied. AgNOR count from benign papillomas showed a mean count of 2.56 whereas that in squamous cell carcinoma of Pharynx and larynx was 12.61 and 11.43 respectively. This simple staining method can be used to differentiate benign from malignant tumours in pharynx and larynx.