Tissue markers of potentially malignant human oral epithelial lesions.

Tissue markers of potential malignancy have been sought for many years. Cell surface markers, particularly blood group and histocompatibility antigens, have shown great promise and several squamous carcinoma antigens have been identified--but not fully studied in potentially malignant lesions. Growth factors and receptors also need further study. Cytoplasmic markers of potential malignancy have been examined and, of these, keratins, filaggrin, and some carcinoma antigens show most promise. Nuclear analyses have promise but are time-consuming and expensive. Image cytometric analyses appear to be sensitive and predictive: oncogene and tumour suppressor analyses remain to be fully evaluated. New investigative techniques at the cellular and molecular level show increasing promise at defining potentially malignant oral epithelial lesions but more prospective studies are required.