A significant increase in TNFα MFI in progressing OPMDs as compared to non-progressing OPMDs (Figures 1A, B) was observed across all histologic diagnoses including progressing hyperkeratosis (p<0.01), progressing low-grade dysplasia (mild epithelial dysplasia, p<0.05) and progressing high-grade dysplasia (moderate and severe epithelial dysplasia, p<0.001). This evidence concerns the gene TNF and Hyperkeratosis.