LEVEL OF SIALIC ACID IN ORAL CANCER PATIENTS

Aim And Objective: This review aims to find the sialic acid level in oral cancer patients. Background: Oral cavity cancer is currently the most frequent cause of cancer-related death among Indian men. It is preceded by oral precancerous conditions like leukoplakia or oral sub mucous fibrosis. Altered cell surface topography is the soul of the malignant cell. Early detection is the key to treat oral cancer. Attempts are on to develop sensitive, specific, and reliable biochemical tests for early detection and diagnosis. Glycoproteins and Glycolipids are important constituents of the cell membrane; hence, they play an important role in malignancy. Glycoconjugates are released into the circulation in increased level from malignant cells due to increased turnover, secretion, or shedding of malignant cells. So the measurement of and salivary glycoprotein and glycolipids has received a wide range of acceptance in the screening of oral cancer. Sialic acid is N-acetyl neuraminic acid. It is a negatively charged nine-carbon monosaccharide commonly attached to carbohydrate chains of glycoproteins and glycolipids. Salivary glycoproteins play an important role in the properties and functions of saliva. So estimate the amount of sialic acid in saliva provide food for the biochemical marker to diagnose oral cancer.