Application of Salivary Biomarkers in Malignant Transformation of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders

Oral cancer is a major global health challenge, with its incidence and mortality rates rising over recent decades. Early detection and accurate diagnosis are crucial. Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) are conditions that carry a risk of evolving into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Detecting the malignant transformation of OPMDs early is critical for effective prevention and management of SCC. Salivary biomarkers offer a non-invasive and convenient method for clinical diagnosis and prognosis of oral and even systemic diseases. This review explores various salivary biomarkers that differ between OPMDs and SCC, providing a foundation for future progress in the early diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of cancer.