Serum Homocysteine Level in Healthy Subjects, Subjects with Oral Precancerous Lesion & Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Comparative Study

Background: Oral cancer ranks among the most common malignancies in India. Despite the availability of various treatment modalities, it continues to have a weak prognosis, with only 40-50% of 5-year survival rate. Elevated homocysteine levels have been identified as a potential tumor marker in several cancers, including breast, lung, colorectal, & cervical cancers. Aim: To assess & compare serum homocysteine & serum folate levels among patients with oral precancerous lesions, those diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), & healthy individuals. Methodology: Serum homocysteine levels were measured & analyzed in 3 groups: patients suffering from pre-cancerous oral lesions, OSCC & healthy controls. Results: Patients with OSCC showed significantly elevated serum homocysteine levels & markedly reduced serum folate levels, followed by those with precancerous lesions, in comparison to healthy individuals. Conclusion: Serum homocysteine might be a useful biomarker for diagnosis & prognosis of OSCC & oral precancerous conditions.