Bacterial flora on the surface of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the microbial presence and type in the biofilms present on the surface of oral squamous cell carcinomas and benign lesions of oral mucosa. Methods: Thirty new (untreated) patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma were examined. The control group consisted of thirty subjects with benign lesions of oral mucosa. Swab samples were taken from the superficial layer of the carcinoma and benign lesions for bacteriological examination. Swabs were transported within 2 hours and immediately sown and incubated. Oral health index was assessed in all patients. Results: The prevalence of pathological bacterial microflora was significantly higher in cancer patients (p<0.01). No significant associations were found between bacterial presence and gender, localization, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and denture wearing (p>0.05). Poor oral hygiene was also registered in cancer patients. Conclusion: Possibility of microflora retention on irregular oral carcinoma surface possibly contributes to chronic inflammation often observed on the surface of oral carcinomas. © 2013, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, Sremska Kamenica.