In previous studies that examined apoptosis and their markers in OSCC, the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins such as Bcl-2 was reported to be strongest in poorly differentiated carcinoma, whereas pro-apoptotic proteins such as Bax and high apoptotic index (AI) correlate with well-differentiated carcinoma (Jordan et al, 1996; Xie et al, 1999; Stoll et al, 2000). This evidence concerns the gene BCL2 and carcinoma.