Salivary Biomarkers In Oral Premalignancy And Malignancy: Cross-Sectional Study

Assessment and correlation of biochemical and microbiological changes in tobacco smokers and chewers without any associated lesions, with premalignant and malignant lesions. The study was conducted after obtaining approval from the institutionnal ethics committee. A total of 40 participants were included in the study and salivary swabs and samples were collected from them to test the presence of candida and malondialdehyde (MDA) respectively. There were 10 participants in each category which were as follows: (1) Control category (age-matched subjects without any habits) = 10 (2) Tobacco chewers and smokers (without any associated lesions) = 10 (3) Tobacco chewers and smokers with associated clinically confirmed potentially premalignant disorders = 10 (4) Tobacco chewers and smokers with associated histopathologically-confirmed malignant lesions = 10 Since multiple groups were being compared, ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) was used for assessing differences in MDA values between groups. Comparison between groups (Control, Habit without Lesion, PMD, Malignant): A highly significant difference was found (F = 92.446, p < 0.001). Post-hoc analysis suggested that significant differences exist between Control vs PMD/Malignant, Habit without Lesion vs PMD/Malignant, and PMD vs Malignant groups. Tobacco chewing (Present vs Absent): A significant difference was found (F = 2.854, p = 0.007), indicating that individuals with a tobacco-chewing habit had higher MDA levels. Candida presence (Present vs Absent): A highly significant difference was found (F = 5.865, p < 0.001), indicating that individuals with Candida infection had significantly higher MDA levels. Malondialdehyde and fungal growth are directly proportional in oral cancer.