TGFB3 and neoplasm: Given that TGF-β3 plays a protective role in several cancers [6,25-27], as well as its significant role in scarless healing [5,9,11,13,29], it is reasonable to speculate that elevated levels of TGF-β3 expression in OSCC with OSF are a protective response to tumor "injury." OSCC occurring in the background of OSF is a clinicopathologically distinct entity with a better prognosis and oncological outcomes [31].