Head and neck cancer and oral leukoplakia: clinical study of some unresolved issues
Bukovszky Botond
Pathological and Oncological Divison
Dr. Matolcsy András
BC22 Irodaház Marcus Aurelius terem
2025-11-04 12:00:00
Molekuláris és experimentális onkológia
Dr. Bödör Csaba
Dr. Polgár Csaba és Dr. Dobó-Nagy Csaba
Dr. Molnár Bálint
Dr. Szabó Árpád
Dr. Hermann Péter Miklós
Dr. Bak Mihály
Dr. Sebestyén Anna
HNSCC constitutes a major global health burden, with tobacco and alcohol consumption representing the most significant etiological factors. Despite advances in multimodal treatment strategies, the prognosis remains poor due to advanced disease and frequent occurrence of SPCs. In parallel, OPMD, particularly oral leukoplakia, are recognized as important precursor lesions to malignancy, highlighting the need for early detection and effective risk assessment. Mutagen sensitivity, assessed by bleomycin-induced chromosomal breakage in lymphocytes, has been investigated as a potential biomarker of genetic instability and cancer risk. Elevated mutagen sensitivity is observed in patients with HNSCC compared to the general population. However, its ability to predict the development of SPCs is controversial. The lifelong risk of SPC development, particularly among smokers and alcohol consumers, underscores the necessity for continuous long-term follow-up and comprehensive patient management strategies. In the field of OPMD, particularly oral and laryngeal leukoplakias, histopathological dysplasia remains the most reliable predictor of malignant transformation. Higher grades of epithelial dysplasia significantly correlate with an increased risk of progression to squamous cell carcinoma. Furthermore, non-homogeneous clinical presentation is closely associated with a greater likelihood of dysplastic alterations and malignant transformation, emphasizing the importance of thorough clinical and pathological evaluation. These observations reinforce the critical need for regular and frequent surveillance for early diagnosis and intervention. Identification of further biomarkers are necessary to enhance personalized patient care.
