Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common type of oral cancer, often diagnosed at advanced stages due to the lack of early symptoms and limitations of current invasive diagnostic methods. Salivary microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as promising non-invasive biomarkers for early detection. This study evaluated the diagnostic potential of ten miRNAs, selected from literature, in saliva samples from 30 OSCC patients and 30 healthy controls. The workflow included RNA extraction, reverse transcription, qRT-PCR amplification, and data normalization using the mean expression of the two most stable miRNAs identified across and within groups. Five miRNAs showed significant differential expression: miR-21 and miR-424 were upregulated, while miR-31, miR-146a, and let-7a were downregulated in OSCC patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated moderate individual diagnostic power (AUC 0.658–0.720). A multivariate logistic regression combining miR-21, miR-31, miR-146a, and miR-424 yielded an AUC of 0.959, 96.7% specificity, and 86.7% sensitivity. Although limited by sample size, this study provides the first step for larger validation studies aimed at confirming the diagnostic utility of our salivary four-miRNA signature as a cost-effective and minimally invasive diagnostic tool for OSCC.

Purpose: Reconstructive options for mucosal defects of the oral cavity resulting from the resection of tumors include primary closure, mucosal and split thickness skin grafts, pedicle flaps, and microvascular free flaps. Lately the use of an acellular dermal bilayer matrix has been introduced for the reconstruction of superficial mucosal defects of the oral cavity. Methods: Twenty-one patients treated for SCC of the oral cavity with intraoral resection and simultaneous reconstruction using a bilayer dermal matrix between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2024 with at least 6 months of follow-up were retrospectively considered. Data were collected regarding the site of the lesion, the initial TNM staging, the size of the surgical defect, the timing of silicone sheet removal, the complications and the long-term outcomes. Results: Tumor site included the tongue in 16 cases, the hard palate in 1 case, the cheek in 2 cases, the floor of the mouth in 1 patient, and the inferior lip in 1 patient. Re-epithelialization was achieved in all cases within 21 days. No major complication was observed. Conclusions: Bilayer dermal matrix demonstrated to be an excellent option for small and superficial oral cavity reconstruction if proper indications are followed.