Galectin-9 as an important marker in the differential diagnosis between oral squamous cell carcinoma, oral leukoplakia and oral lichen planus

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the expression of Galectins (Gal) 1, 3 and 9, Metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3) and mast cell density in oral lesions of patients with potentially malignant disorders (PMD) and oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) by comparison with the controls. Study design We selected 40 cases of PMD, 40 OSCC and 13 with normal histopathological profile. Immunohistochemistry was performed for Gal-1, Gal-3, Gal-9 and MMP-3. Results Gal-9 was significantly higher in patients with OSCC than in others groups ( p p  = 0.0001). Gal-3 was significantly lower in patients with OSCC than those with leukoplakia ( p  = 0.03). MMP-3 was lower in patients with leukoplakia in comparison with the lichen planus group ( p  = 0.013). Conclusion The increased expression of Gal-9 may be helpful to differentiate of OSCC from other oral cavity lesions.