Cellular signaling proteins maintain the basic activities of cell and communication, between the cells for normal growth and development and pathological situation as well. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) have a comparatively huge part to play in the cellular communication processes. Human FGF has 22 members, 18 ligands, and 4 tyrosine kinase receptors for binding and is expressed in a wide range of cells. Any alteration in these factors would disrupt their normal function, leading to various abnormalities. The aim of this systematic analysis, is to understand the FGFs, the physiological and pathological role of FGF in oral diseases, and to predict the use of FGF in the predilection toward odontogenic cyst and tumors. This review helps confer the role of FGF in various physiological and pathological aspects in systemic diseases and analyzes its role in diagnosis and prognosis of odontogenic cysts and tumors.

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most frequent malignancy of the oral cavity which is known to have a high mortality rate. During the invasion, tumor cells break through the basement membrane, penetrate the connective tissue, are embedded in or surrounded by the extracellular matrix (ECM), producing reactive changes in stroma. It is an established fact that tumor stroma plays a vital role in tumor progression. The ECM has an important role in tissue organization and function. Aims: The aim of the study is to assess whether special stains are useful in detecting ECM changes early invasive and well-established oral SCC (OSCC) using special stains. Materials and Methods:This retrospective study constitutes a total of 30 cases examined to study changes in ECM at early invasive and well-established OSCC cases. Two sections each was obtained from above study groups and were subjected to Van Gieson and Periodic Acid Schiff's (PAS) stains respectively, and were compared with routine hematoxylin and eosin stain. Interpretation of staining intensity was carried out and statistically analyzed. Results: Matrix changes were noted using special stains in both early invasive and wellestablished OSCC as seen in their staining characteristics. Conclusion: PAS and Van Gieson are indeed useful in detecting changes in glycoprotein and collagen in well-established OSCC and early invasive OSCC.