Changes or alteration in the function and expression of the cell to cell adhesion molecule, E-cadherin, α-catenin and β-catenin, have been postulated to be an early event in the multiple process of tumour metastasis and an important factor in tumour progression (Birchmeier et al, 1993; Ponta et al, 1994). This evidence concerns the gene CDH1 and neoplasm.