Fluorescence in-situ hybridization technique as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Early diagnosis and appropriate management are of prime importance for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in the present scenario. Molecular changes in OSCC are well documented with the occurrence of a wide range of genetic damage. Identification of the genetic damage in OSCC using various diagnostic aids is mandatory, and one of the important advances in this field is cytogenetics using fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH). The aim of the present study is to analyze the genetic alteration in OSCC using FISH as a diagnostic aid.

Peripheral blood was analyzed in 20 clinically and histopathologically proven OSCC cases and 10 healthy controls for chromosomal alteration under standardized conditions.

Of the 20 OSCC cases, 7 (35%) cases showed chromosomal alterations. No cases from the control group showed any chromosomal changes. Of the positive cases in OSCC, 30% cases showed increased copy number of cyclin D1 gene and 1 (5%) case showed positivity indicating extra copy of chromosome 11p11.11-q11 region.

Increased genetic damage in OSCC which is a prominent feature can be identified by the use of FISH as seen from the present study. The findings suggest that FISH can be used as a diagnostic aid in the detection of genetic changes occurring in OSCC. The present study also suggests the importance of peripheral blood as a medium for assessing cytogenetic damage in OSCC.