Immunoexpression of E-cadherin in oral potentially malignant disorders, oral squamous cell carcinoma and its correlation with clinicopathological parameters

The most common malignancy of the head and neck region is “oral squamous cell carcinoma” (OSCC) because of its low survival rate and the increasing incidence in some geographic areas. The process of invasion and metastasis, which is noted in most cancers, requires loss of cell-to-cell attachment. It is therefore important to identify a marker that would help in the identification of lesions that would acquire the ability to transform into OSCC. Cell-to-cell adhesion and cell motility are monitored by E-cadherin; its loss is associated with OSCC progression. Early detection, proper analysis, and correct handling of oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD) are beneficial to preventing its malignant progression. Thus, the purpose of the present study is to identify the expression and determine the role of E-cadherin in OPMD and OSCC.