DefinePK

Research Objective

To determine the salivary composition of Oral squamous cell carcinoma patients.

Methodology

A retrospective study conducted over 6 months on data of 60 Oral squamous cell carcinoma patients from the Institute of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine, Peshawar. Salivary pH, Sodium, Potassium, and total proteins were recorded. Saliva was collected 2 hours after breakfast, and Lowry's method was used for total proteins. Sodium and potassium were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Data was analyzed using GraphPad Prism software.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A["Obtain Ethical Approval"] --> B["Retrieve Patient Records"];
    B --> C["Select OSCC Patients"];
    C --> D["Collect Salivary Data pH, Na, K, Proteins"];
    D --> E["Analyze Data using GraphPad Prism"];
    E --> F["Interpret Results"];
    F --> G["Formulate Conclusion"];                    

Discussion

The study suggests that altered salivary composition, particularly increased concentrations of Sodium, Potassium, and total proteins, is associated with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC). Increased proteins may be due to leakage of serum proteins from the affected area or increased exfoliation of epithelial cells. Increased sodium and potassium could be related to increasing age, compromised periodontal status, and dehydration in OSCC patients. Salivary analysis is proposed as a simple, non-invasive tool for OSCC screening and monitoring.

Key Findings

Sodium, Potassium, and total protein concentrations in the saliva of oral squamous cell carcinoma patients were 3.7 mM/L, 22.7 mM/L, and 234.6 mM/L, respectively. These values were significantly higher than normal salivary concentrations. The mean age of patients was 61 years, with 62% males and 38% females. The most common tumor site was the floor of the mouth (28%).

Conclusion

The saliva of oral squamous cell carcinoma patients contains higher concentrations of Sodium, Potassium, and total proteins.

Fact Check

1. Number of patients: The study included data from 60 Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma patients. (Confirmed in Methodology)
2. Sodium concentration: The mean sodium concentration in the saliva of OSCC patients was reported as 3.7 mM/L. (Confirmed in Results)
3. Potassium concentration: The mean potassium concentration in the saliva of OSCC patients was reported as 22.7 mM/L. (Confirmed in Results)

Mind Map