Important Molecular Markers of Oral Precancer and Cancer : An Overview

Oral Squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common cancer of the oral cavity encompassing 90% of all oral malignancies which are preceded by various precancerous lesions. In order to remove the subjectivity of the grading system demands of specific molecular markers have been introduced. Several molecular markers implicated in the carcinogenesis of OSCC have been evaluated by many investigators, including molecules involved in the cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, DNA repair system and degradation of extracellular matrix. The purpose of this book is to reveal the most relevant biological markers and its specificity for oral precancer and cancer which if applied at an early stage of the disease process can restrict its growth and hence increasing the life expectancy.