Genetics and molecular mechanisms in oral cancer progression

Abstract

Exposure to tobacco in smoke or chewable form, in isolation or in association with other risk factors (i.e., alcohol or areca nut), disturbs the balanced expression of numerous genes and leads to loss of coordination of their downstream signaling pathways, finally leading to oral cancer. Initially changes like mild dysplasia and benign hyperplasia are reversible, but continuous exposure to carcinogens leads to accumulation of mutations in multiple genes involved in cell prqernational.