Objective: To investigate the expressions of heparanase (Hpa) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in oral squamous-cell carcinoma (OSCC), and to evaluate the relationship between the expressions and tumor angiogenesis and progression. Methods: The expressions of Hpa mRNA and bFGF mRNA of OSCC were examined using in situ hybridization. The microvascular density (MVD) was assessed through immunohistochemistry staining. Results: The expressions of Hpa mRNA and bFGF mRNAwere associated with tumor MVD and lymph node metastasis. Concomitant expression of Hpa mRNA and bFGF mRNA was associated with higher tumor MVD as compared with expression of either factor alone. Conclusion: Hpa and bFGF might contribute to the angiogenesis and lymph node metastasis in OSCC and they cooperate in promoting vascularization.