Relation of erythrocyte indices and serum iron level with clinical and histological progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma in Central India.

AIM: This study aims to evaluate the relation of erythrocyte indices and serum iron level with clinical and histopathological progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODS: Eighty newly diagnosed OSCC patients recruited for the study were divided according to tumor size int three groups. Erythrocyte indices (e.g., hemoglobin [Hb], red blood cell [RBC] count, packed cell volume [PCV]) and serum iron level (S.Fe) were evaluated with normal reference values, control subject, primary tumor size and histopathological grading. Correlation of Hb to S.Fe was also analyzed. RESULTS: We found that 56.36, 61.81, and 83.63% of males and 76, 32, and 88% of female patients were anemic in terms of Hb%, RBC count and PCV respectively, whereas the remainding indices and S.Fe were within normal range (P < 0.05). Percent Hb, RBC count and PCV gradually decreased with increasing tumor size and histopathological grading (P > 0.05). Moderate to weak correlation was observed between Hb and S.Fe (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Tumor-induced hemolysis appeared to be responsible for anemia in OSCC and its severity increased with the progression of tumor. Moderate to weak correlation exists between Hb and S.Fe probably owing to the dual requirement of iron for bone marrow and the tumor.