The role of bacteria in oral cancer
2010

The Role of Bacteria in Oral Cancer

Sample size: 45 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Noureen Chocolatewala, Pankaj Chaturvedi, Rushikesh Desale

Primary Institution: M. A. Rangoonwala College of Dental Science and Research Center, Pune, India; Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India

Hypothesis

What is the role of various microorganisms in the development of oral cancers?

Conclusion

Certain bacteria may play a significant role in the development of oral cancers and could serve as markers for early detection.

Supporting Evidence

  • Bacteria like Exiguobacterium oxidotolerans and Prevotella melaninogenica are found more in oral cancer tissues than in healthy tissues.
  • Salivary levels of specific bacteria can serve as markers for early detection of oral cancers.
  • High levels of certain bacteria in saliva were significantly associated with oral cancer patients compared to cancer-free individuals.

Takeaway

Some bacteria can make people sick and might help cause oral cancer. If we find these bacteria in saliva, it could help doctors catch cancer early.

Methodology

A retrospective systematic review of available data from PubMed on the role of microorganisms in oral cancer.

Limitations

The diversity of bacterial species isolated made it difficult to draw statistical conclusions.

Participant Demographics

Patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and cancer-free controls.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.4103/0971-5851.76195

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