Progressive rise of c fos expression from premalignant to malignant lesions of oral cavity

2008

Objectives: Oral cancer is a worldwide phenomenon. It is thought to develop in a number of premalignant lesions. Protooncogene c fos is a known transformer of premalignant to malignant lesions. However, its role in oral carcinogenesis is not yet known. Study design: A total of 130 cases were studied comprising of premalignant lesions (n=50), squamous cell carcinoma (n=50) and controls (n=30). c fos expression was studied by immunohistochemistry. Results: Premalignant lesions of oral cavity occurred at a lower age group (mean 39.2 years) compared to squamous cell carcinoma (mean 51.8 years), p <0.001. Mean c fos percentage positivity in squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), premalignant lesions an…