Association of Microbiota with Oral Potential Malignant Disorder: A Mini Review
Prasada Rao Namburi *
Department of Microbiology, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India.
Krishnan Mahalakshmi
Department of Microbiology, Research Lab for Oral-Systemic Health, Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai- 600100, Tamil Nadu, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Most of the oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are often preceded by oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). OPMDs are defined as oral mucosal lesions and conditions which are at increased risk for undergoing alteration to oral cancer. OPMDs grow in a complex tissue microenvironment to acquire oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) characteristics. Oral microbiota associated with OPMD may appear as potential biomarkers as these species may help in the diagnosis and prognosis of OPMD to OSCC. This association of microbiota to OPMD and may be helpful in the early treatment before the initiation of oral cancer. This article reviews the literature on association between microbiota and Oral potential malignant disorders.
Keywords: Oral potential malignant disorders (OPMD), microbiota, pre-cancer, biomarkers