Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutation Frequency in Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Its Diagnostic Performance in Cytological Samples: A Molecular and Immunohistochemical Study

EGFR mutation frequency in North Indian patients was comparable to that of Asia-Pacific region and showed a similar pattern of histological distribution. EGFR mutation in squamous cell carcinomas is increasingly recognized which was 15% in our study. Mutation-specific EGFR IHC shows variable but generally low sensitivity and considering its significant pre- and post-analytical variables, it should be highly discouraged in patient management. Cytological samples may not only serve as suitable alternative but may be complementary to tissue biopsies.