Oral cancer refers to the malignancies that occur in the oral cavity, lip and pharynx with 90% of oral cancers being squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC). OSCC has the highest mortality ratio compared to other carcinomas. Although oral cavity is easily accessible, most oral cancers are detected at a later stage leading to lower survival rates. Early detection of OSCC is a key factor in improving the prognosis and survival rate of the patient. Rapid advancement in the field of diagnosis has enabled early diagnosis of many potentially malignant conditions even before its clinical manifestations. One such diagnostic modality that has gained much relevance in the field of molecular biology has been the discovery of salivary biomarkers (DNA, RNA and protein markers). These salivary biomarkers have been shown to play a non-invasive role in the diagnosis and surveillance of oral cancer. The direct contact between the saliva and the oral cancer lesions makes it a most sensitive and specific, screening method in diagnosis, staging and follow-up. This review aims to discuss the effectiveness and the potential of salivary biomarkers as a screening tool in OSCC.

Loricrin is a terminally differentiating structural protein comprising more than 70% of the cornified envelope. It contributes to the protective barrier function of the stratum corneum. In vivo, loricrin is expressed inall mammalian stratified epithelia with the highest levels of expression in humid tissues such as newborn epidermis, the epithelia of oral and anal mucosa, esophagus, foreskin, vagina and the epidermal parts of sweat ducts. Loricrin is not expressed in non keratinizing epithelia and its expression at these sites actually represents a defensive or protective mechanismof the body. An insight into this protein- “Loricrin” can shed light to its potential as a marker in the early stages of potentially malignant disorders like oral sub mucous fibrosis and leukoplakia. This compilation has been done by taking into account the existing literature, reviews and original studies on loricrin, a major component of the cornifiedcell envelope, its structure and the alterations that result due to its absence or presence of both the epidermis and the oral mucosa.

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Tongue is a vital internal organ well encased within the oral cavity and protected from the environment. It has unique features which differ from individual to individual and even between identical twins. The color, shape, and surface features are characteristic of every individual, and this serves as a tool for identification. Many modes of biometric systems have come into existence such as fingerprint, iris scan, skin color, signature verification, voice recognition, and face recognition. The search for a new personal identification method secure has led to the use of the lingual impression or the tongue print as a method of biometric authentication. Tongue characteristics exhibit sexual dimorphism thus aiding in the identification of the person. Emerging as a novel biometric tool, tongue prints also hold the promise of a potential forensic tool. This review highlights the uniqueness of tongue prints and its superiority over other biometric identification systems. The various methods of tongue print collection and the classification of tongue features are also elucidated.