Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. It is well known that most OSCCs arise in presence of clinical lesions like oralleukoplakia-(OL), lichen-planus & submucous-fibrosis. During malignant transformation various cellular & biochemical changes occur at tissue level. These changes can be measured with the help of biomarkers. Survivin, an Inhibitor of Apoptosis protein is almost undetectable in normal adult tissues but is broadly expressed in a wide variety of cancers and precancers. Hence in the present study salivary survivin levels were estimated & compared in OL, OSCC and controls in general and as per stages and grades.

Keywords : Oral Leukoplakia, Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Saliva, Survivin.