Scientists in Finland have discovered a promising way to identify aggressive oral cancers at an early stage by examining tiny vessels inside tumors.
The finding could help doctors predict which patients face a higher risk of the disease returning or becoming life-threatening, allowing treatment to begin sooner and more effectively.
Oral cancer is the most common type of cancer affecting the head and neck region. It causes more than 188,000 deaths worldwide each year.
Unlike many other cancers, even small tumors in the mouth can be deadly.
In Finland, where the research was conducted, about one in five patients treated at an early stage eventually dies from the disease, showing how unpredictable oral cancer can be.
The new study, published in Cell Reports Medicine, focused on lymphatic vessels—small channels that help move fluids and immune cells through the body.
These vessels are normally present in the mouth, but in healthy tissue their cells rarely divide or grow.
Researchers from the University of Turku analyzed tumor samples from about 300 Finnish patients with early-stage oral cancer.
They looked at many different protein markers to understand how various cells inside the tumors were behaving. The team discovered that in some cancers, the cells lining the lymphatic vessels were actively dividing and showing signs of rapid growth.
This unusual activity turned out to be a strong warning sign. Tumors with a high number of these fast-growing lymphatic vessels were much more likely to come back after treatment and were linked to a higher risk of death. In fact, this marker predicted disease progression better than any previously known risk factor for oral cancer.
Lead researcher Joni Näsiaho explained that identifying aggressive cancers at diagnosis is crucial. Most oral cancers are treated primarily with surgery, and doctors currently lack precise tools to decide which patients need additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation. Without clear markers, some high-risk patients may not receive enough therapy, while others may undergo unnecessary treatments that cause serious side effects.
The researchers believe their discovery could change this. By testing tumors for these protein signals in lymphatic vessels, doctors may be able to identify high-risk patients early and tailor treatment plans to their needs. Patients with less aggressive disease could avoid extra treatments, while those at greater risk could receive closer monitoring and additional care.
The team also hopes to explore whether the same marker could help predict outcomes in other types of cancer. If confirmed, the approach could become a practical tool used in hospitals worldwide.
Experts say the study highlights how understanding the body’s smallest structures can lead to major advances in cancer care.
By revealing hidden signs of danger inside tumors, scientists are moving closer to a future where cancer treatment is more personalized and effective, giving patients a better chance of survival.
