The levels of salivary inflammatory mediators GMCSF, IL-6, Rantes/CCL5, MIP1α (CCL3), and MIP1β (CCL4) were elevated in OSCC compared to periodontal disease which supports that the inflammatory response in OSCC is specific and different from other causes of chronic inflammation such as periodontitis in the oral cavity. This evidence concerns the gene IL6 and periodontitis.