Salivary IL-6 and Interleukin Gene Polymorphisms in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This observational study will evaluate whether salivary interleukin-6 levels and selected interleukin gene polymorphisms are associated with regional lymph node involvement in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Adult patients with histologically confirmed oral squamous cell carcinoma will be enrolled before receiving any cancer-specific treatment. Participants will be classified into two groups according to the presence or absence of regional lymph node metastasis: OSCC N0M0 and OSCC N+M0. The study does not involve any experimental treatment and does not change the standard diagnostic or therapeutic pathway. Each participant will provide a saliva sample using a sterile absorbent swab. The saliva sample will be used to measure interleukin-6 levels. Available biological material will also be used to analyze selected interleukin gene polymorphisms, including IL6, IL1B, IL10, IL8/CXCL8, and IL1RN. The aim of the study is to explore whether these salivary and genetic markers may help characterize different biological patterns of locoregional progression in oral squamous cell carcinoma.