Oral microbiota a host in disguise inviting oral cancer

Document Type : Letter to the Editor

Authors

1 Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Institute of Dental Sciences, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

2 Central Research Laboratory, Institute of Dental Sciences, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751006, India

3 Department of Radiodiagnosis, Institute of Medical Sciences and Sum Hospital, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

Abstract

Background: Oral cancers are one of the leading causes of death in today’s world. The development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is mainly recorded due to host-related and lifestyle factors. Out of the several aetiologies that have been attributed to be causing the disease, it includes major consumption of tobacco. Lately, an emerging area of research has focused on the intricate connection between the oral microbiome and cancer risk. "The collective genomes of microorganisms inhabiting the oral mucosa are termed microbiota." Several ongoing research studies show that changes in the oral microbiome can result in a shift towards a more pathogenic and pro-inflammatory environment, which may contribute to oral cancer development. Microbiota are complex and are not merely passive inhabitants; they engage in dynamic interactions with the host and each other. It regulates several functions, such as immune response modulation, its role in the biosynthesis of vitamins, protection from exogenous pathogens, and even the production of antimicrobial substances.

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