Middle East Journal of Cancer

A Comparative Study of Moderately and Well-Differentiated Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Clinicopathological, Immunohistochemical analysis and Quality of Life Outcomes

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors

Divyashree Sankar
Gheena Sukumaran

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

10.30476/mejc.2026.110691.2408
Abstract
Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent malignancy with variable prognosis depending on histopathological differentiation. The present study aimed to comparatively analyse clinicopathological features, immunohistochemical profiles, and quality of life in moderately-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (MDSCC) and well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (WDSCC).
Method: This retrospective study aimed to compare the clinicopathological characteristics, immunohistochemical expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and tumour protein 63 (p63) and quality of life in MDSCC and WDSCC. A total number of 75 cases from each group were analysed for demographic, clinical, and pathological parameters, while immunohistochemical expression of EGFR and p63 was evaluated in 20 tissue samples (10 per group). Postoperative quality of life was assessed using physical, emotional, and functional indices. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics, Student’s t-test, and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis were applied, with a P-value <0.05 considered to be statistically significant.
Results: MDSCC showed significantly greater tumour thickness, advanced stage, higher incidence of lymph node positivity, Extranodal extension, and microinvasion compared with WDSCC. WDSCC exhibited higher rates of bone invasion. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed significantly higher proportions of EGFR and p63-positive cells in WDSCC. Postoperative functional impairments variably affected speech, swallowing, and social, emotional well-being. Survival analysis indicated a better prognosis in WDSCC.
Conclusion: MDSCC exhibits a more aggressive clinicopathological profile, whereas WDSCC is associated with higher immunohistochemical marker expression, better quality of life, and improved survival rates.

Highlights

Gheena Sukumaran (google scholar)

Keywords

Oral squamous cell carcinoma
Human
Health
Mortality
Quality of life
Subjects

Please cite this article as: Sankar D, Sukumaran G. A Comparative Study of Moderately and Well-Differentiated Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Clinicopathological, Immunohistochemical analysis and Quality of Life Outcomes. Middle East J Cancer. 2026: in press. doi: 10.30476/mejc.2026.110691.2408.

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Middle East Journal of Cancer

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 01 April 2027

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