Tumour Budding in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Narrative Review.

Tumour budding is an emerging prognostic factor in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) that reflects the invasive behaviour of the tumour. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of tumour budding in OSCC, synthesizing current research and clinical findings. We explore the definition and characterization of tumour budding, its correlation with histopathological features, and its impact on patient outcomes. Tumour budding is associated with increased local invasion, lymph node metastasis, and poor overall survival, highlighting its potential as a key marker for aggressive disease. This review also discusses the methods used to assess tumour budding, including histological scoring systems and the challenges in standardizing these assessments. By integrating findings from recent studies, we offer insights into the clinical relevance of tumour budding in OSCC management and propose future research directions to enhance its application in personalized treatment strategies.