Increased nuclear β-catenin expression in oral potentially malignant lesions: A marker of epithelial dysplasia

Abstract

Our results are consistent with most of the reports which show increased presence of β-catenin in severe and moderate dysplasia compared to mild dysplasia; however the expression of nuclear β-catenin decreased after starting the invasive neoplastic process. This suggests a role for this protein in the progression of dysplasia and early malignant transformation to OSCC. Immunodetection of β-catenin could be a possible immune marker in the detection of oral dysplasia.