Free and acetylated polyamines as markers of oral cavity tumors.

Differences in tissue concentrations of N1- and N8-acetylspermidine and cadaverine in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity compared to the surrounding healthy tissue, as well as to epulides and other benign oral lesions (papillomas, lipomas, and fibromas) are assessed. The results indicate that only N1-acetylspermidine has use as a marker for diagnosis because its concentration is higher in malignant tissue. Its use in prognosis and posttreatment monitoring requires further exploration.