Early Detection of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders
Abstract
Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) represent a diverse array of conditions with an elevated propensity for progressing into oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). My study aims to enhance the early detection of OPMDs by investigating the expression levels of specific biomarkers, their correlation with disease severity, and the concordance between clinical and pathological diagnoses. Using nanoString gene expression analysis and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, I identified significantly elevated levels of S100A7, Ki67, and Vimentin in OPMD tissues compared to normal controls, suggesting their potential as biomarkers for early detection and monitoring of disease progression. Conversely, E-cadherin showed reduced expression in OPMDs, indicating disruptions in cellular adhesion and the MAPK signaling pathway. My findings on moderate concordance between clinical and histopathological diagnoses, highlighting the complexity of diagnosing OPMDs based solely on clinical oral examination and the importance of histopathological confirmation. This underscores the need for improved diagnostic accuracy through enhanced clinical training and the use of molecular diagnostic tools. Despite limitations such as small sample size and geographic constraints, my research underscores the critical role of integrating molecular data with clinical diagnostics to improve the early detection and risk stratification of OPMDs. Future research should focus on developing comprehensive predictive models by integrating multiple biomarkers and leveraging digital pathology and artificial intelligence to refine these models. This approach holds promise for early intervention and better management of patients at risk of malignant transformation, ultimately enhancing patient care and outcomes.