Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a type of mouth cancer that affects over 450,000 people worldwide each year, with around half of the cases leading to death within five years. While common risk factors for OSCC include smoking, alcohol use, and the chewing of tobacco or areca nut, some cases develop without any known cause. Because of this, early detection and risk assessment are critical.
What is Oral Epithelial Dysplasia (OED)?
Oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) is a condition that occurs when the cells in the lining of the mouth begin to change abnormally. These changes can lead to oral cancer, but not all OED cases transform into cancer. Doctors use grading systems to determine how likely it is that OED will progress to oral cancer.
Current Grading Systems for OED
Traditionally, doctors have used a 3-tier grading system to assess OED, where lesions are classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on how abnormal the cells look. However, this system has its limitations, as doctors often disagree on the classification, making it difficult to predict cancer risk accurately. Recently, a simpler 2-tier grading system has been introduced, categorizing OED as either low-grade or high-grade.
A New Way to Assess Cancer Risk: S100A7 Biomarker
In addition to the 2- and 3-tier grading systems, researchers have developed a new method based on a protein called S100A7. This biomarker is linked to the risk of developing oral cancer and can provide a more objective and reliable way to assess whether OED might turn into cancer.
Why the S100A7 System is Important
In a recent study, doctors compared the 2-tier, 3-tier, and S100A7 grading systems. The results showed that the S100A7 system was better at predicting which OED cases would progress to cancer. It also had a higher agreement between doctors, meaning it’s a more consistent and accurate tool
What This Means for Patients
If you’ve been diagnosed with OED, understanding your risk of developing cancer is crucial for making informed decisions about your treatment. The new S100A7-based grading system could help doctors provide a clearer and more reliable assessment of your risk, ensuring you receive the right care based on your individual condition.