Correlation between Clinical, Pathological Variables and Cancer Stem Cell Markers CD133 and CD44 in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas and Oral Submucosal Fibrosis

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) of oral Cavity is a common malignant tumor of the mouth that typically affects elderly men and women. It is more aggressive than conventional squamous cell carcinoma affecting other body regions. The cause of the condition is unknown, but genetic mutations may be involved. Factors that may influence its development include smoking and chewing of tobacco, radiation treatment for other reasons, and exposure to coal tar and arsenic. The squamous cell carcinoma may appear as slow-growing skin lesions. The lesions may ulcerate and cause scarring of the oral cavity. It may be difficult to eat, swallow food, or even to speak. The treatment of choice is a surgical excision with clear margins followed by radiation therapy or chemotherapy, as decided by the healthcare provider. In majority of the cases, the prognosis is good with appropriate treatment. This article overviews the essential points of the correlation between clicopathological variables and cancer stem cell markers CD133 and CD44 in OSCC patients and OSMF. .