Diagnosing Oral Cancer using Saliva

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In the near future, doctors may be able to identify oral cancer patients using saliva. Researchers from of U. of California in L.A., have identified every salivary protein that exists (i.e., 1,116 proteins).
Sixty four squamous cell carcinoma patients supplied saliva samples, along with 64 healthy controls. Researchers identified 5 salivary proteins that they can use to identify these cancer patients. This saliva test identified 90 percent of the cancer patients, and was accurate for the healthy controls 83 percent of the time. Researchers are planning bigger studies, and are trying to develop a simple test that can be used in physician’s offices.
Approximately 55,000 individuals are diagnosed with oral of the mouth annually, with greater than 50% of these being diagnosed at later stages. The most curable cancers are those found in the initial phases. Other types of cancer, such as neck and breast cancers, are also being studied.

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