Role of salivary biomarkers in the diagnosis of oral cancer: Mini review

Saliva is an oral fluid, comprising 99% of water and 1% of organic and inorganic constituents. Inorganic elements consist of minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, fluoride, and phosphates. Organic elements comprise enzymes, hormones, immunoglobulins, proteins antioxidants, and coagulation factors are present in the saliva. These constituents are present in the saliva at a varying proportion and which tends to vary during oral cancer. Many of these constituents, their altered levels in oral cancer can serve as the potential biomarker and aid in its diagnosis. The aim of this review article is to highlight the importance of saliva in diagnosis, to overview different salivary biomarkers, its uses and acceptance for the early diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma.