Table 1 Inclusion and exclusion criteria for cases and controls

CASES

Inclusion Criteria

Exclusion Criteria

Biopsy proved cases of OSCC regardless of age/gender

-Recipients of prior chemotherapy or radiotherapy

- Patients with any congenital syndrome, autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammatory diseases, and any other chronic illness

- Poorly fixed tissue

CONTROLS

Inclusion Criteria

Exclusion Criteria

Adult patients undergoing elective surgical tooth extractions for wisdom teeth

Patients not exposed to any chemical carcinogens such as betel quid, betel nut, and any form of tobacco

-Patients with infected teeth

-Patients with any congenital syndrome, autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammatory diseases, and neoplastic diseases

-Patients with the habit of tobacco use in any form, Betel quid use, betel nut use, alcohol, or any combination of these products