Evaluation of platelet indices in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Context: Platelet indices are markers of inflammation which are being studied in various cancers; however, data for oral cancers are limited. Aims: We aimed to study the platelet indices such as platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), plateletcrit, and platelet distribution width (PDW) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients and to compare them with healthy controls. Settings and Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study. Subjects and Methods: The study included 107 patients with oral SCC and 68 controls who did not meet exclusion criteria. Platelet indices were estimated and compared with controls. The results were statistically evaluated. Statistical Analysis Used: Student's t-test (two-tailed, independent) was used for statistical analysis. The relationship between measured characteristics of continuous data was determined using Pearson's correlation coefficient. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Platelet count was slightly increased in cases though not statistically significant (P > 0.05). MPV was significantly increased in cases than controls (P < 0.05). Plateletcrit and PDW were similar in both cases and controls. Conclusions: Further studies are needed to assess the utility of platelet indices in oral SCC.