ABSTRACT
Considering the robust awareness of early detection among oral clinicians and patients the increasing imposition of better methods for screening of oral precancerous/cancerous lesions has become imperative. Although histopathology has been considered the indispensable gold standard, it has its pros and cons, as sometimes the diagnosis is compromised with the variabilities subject to the histopathologist under concern. In the realm of oral healthcare, one pioneering trailblazer is making waves, which are 'quantum dots'. Quantum dots are poised to transform the landscape of oral precancer and cancer screening. These nano-sized semiconductor particles possess extraordinary properties that set them apart from conventional detection methods. Their ability to emit distinct wavelengths of light when excited makes them ideal candidates for early detection. The keywords were pitched in and the research literature from the last 15 years (2008-2022) was extirpated to find out the information that existed, the discrepancies and the void left for upcoming research. Its nature and ingenuity have given rise to a transformative approach that holds the potential to redefine the future of oral healthcare. With each breakthrough, we edge closer to a world where the early detection of oral precancerous/cancerous lesions becomes the norm rather than the exception.
ABSTRACT
Context: Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) are a group of heterogeneous lesions with an increased risk of malignancy. S100A7 expression serves as a biomarker to identify the dysplastic lesion. Aims: To study the status of S100A7 antigen in healthy oral mucosa and OPMDs. Settings: Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Dental College and Hospital, Pune. Design: S100A7 antigen in healthy oral mucosa and OPMDs. Methods: Biopsies were collected of clinically diagnosed OPMDs as well as of healthy oral mucosa and analysed for the malignancy potential. Material: Polyclonal rabbit S100A7 25 µl, BioGenex detection system, hydrogen peroxide, non-streptavidin biotin-HRP, wash buffer, DAB chromogen, TRIS buffer, Harris haematoxylin and eosin. Statistical Analysis Used: Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 27.0. Qualitative data variables expressed were analysed using frequency and percentage. Quantitative data variables were expressed using mean and standard deviation. The Chi-square test was used to compare the grade of intensity, where P value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Healthy oral mucosa did not reveal any immunopositivity. Oral leukoplakia showed some focal expression till middle middle third of epithelium. Oral erythroplakia was found with maximum expression while submucous fibrosis showed increased intense staining in six cases. Conclusions: S100A7 antigen showed significant immune expression in OPMDs and may be used as a marker for early diagnosis and precision therapy.