['Some studies have reported on lymph node micrometastasis (MM) by RT-PCR. We attempted to predict MM by biological means using preoperative biopsy specimens.', 'Lymph nodes from 60 patients with esophageal carcinoma were examined by routine histological examination and CEA-specific RT-PCR. The biopsy specimens were immunohistochemically examined using p53, cyclin D1 (CD1) and desmoglein 1 (DG1) antibodies.', 'Of 659 lymph nodes, 53 (8.0%) nodes were positive according to histological examination and 158 (24.0%) had MM by RT-PCR. The percentage of patients with lymph node metastasis according to histological examination and RT-PCR was 65.0% and 81.7%, respectively. CD1 and DG1 expression correlated with MM, whereas p53 expression did not. MM was frequently detected in the tumors with CD1-positive, DG1-negative or reduced expression.'] Are biological properties of biopsy specimens useful for predicting lymph node micrometastasis in esophageal carcinoma?