Salivary Biomarkers for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Overview

Abstract

Oral Cancer encompasses an important faction of neoplasms of head and neck. More than 90% of oral cancers are oral squamous cell carcinomas. Ideally, this fatal disease is detected through a comprehensive clinical examination by the oral health care professionals. Regardless of the fact that the oral cavity is easily accessible, most oral cancers are typically detected at an advanced stage. This has attributed to lower survival rate. Saliva, an aqueous biological fluid is in direct contact with the oral cancer lesion. Hence, the abnormal DNA, RNA, protein molecules released by the malignant cells can be easily obtained from saliva. Saliva, being a noninvasive diagnostic aid can be an alternative to serum for early detection, monitoring post therapy status, prognosis of oral cancer patients. This article aims to provide a brief overview of various salivary biomarkers and their implications in oral cancer.