Field cancerization of oral cavity – A case series with review of literature

Oral Field Cancerization: A Review with Case Reports

“…There is risk of genetic alterations such as chromosome aberrations, cytokeratin expression, focal overexpression of p53 as well as increased proliferation with tobacco exposure. The major carcinogens identified in chewing tobacco include tobacco specific N-nitrosamines such as N-Nitrosonornicotine and 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone [21].…”

“…All our patients had tobacco associated habits for a very long duration of more than 20 years. Majority of them had a combination of tobacco smoking, and alcoholism [21]. Many recent studies have been conducted to explain the molecular basis of concept of field cancerization.…”

“…Tumour markers are helpful in the early detection of cancer. But in field cancerization identification of molecular markers in the genetically transformed but histologically normal cells will have excellent utility in monitoring the tumour progression and in preventing transformation of pre-malignant lesions into invasive cancer [21].…”

“…Therefore, this calls for frequent oral examination with histological studies and molecular testing be made mandatory for patients after surgery, especially for those at high risk of developing malignancies. Though numerous markers have been identified to help determine the field effect, the entire process is still controversial, therefore further investigations are still in progress to gain a better understanding of carcinogenesis and to use the biomarkers foreseen in this concept for cancer prevention purposes [4,21].…”