Epigenetic Dysregulation in Oral Cancer and Its Implications

Abstract Malignant diseases are no longer thought of as exclusively hereditary illnesses; instead, epigenetic changes have become one of the characteristics of cancer. Both normal development and tissue heterogeneity in terms of gene expression patterns are caused by the epigenetic landscape. Cancer is currently receiving more attention to benefit from these changes in terms of new treatment approaches or diagnostic/prognostic tools, as dysregulation in these systems has been linked to the stage of the illness. Epigenetic analysis has also been used in oral cancer, and several studies have shown that a changed epigenetic substrate, in addition to genetic changes and extended exposure to environmental risk factors, partially induces the development and progression of this malignancy. This article outlines the most significant epigenetic changes linked to oral cancer and their prospective use as novel treatment targets.