Evaluation of Platelet Indices as Potential Hematological Biomarkers in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Cross-Sectional Study

D Mugesh, Vivekanandan Thiyagarajan, M.P.Brundha, Madhumitha M
Author(s)
1Graduate, Madha Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. 2Assistant Professor, Department of General Medicine, Madha Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. 3Professor, Department of Pathology, Madha Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. 4Graduate, Madha Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Abstract

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) constitutes many oral malignancies and remains a major public health burden, particularly in India. Emerging evidence highlights the role of the tumor microenvironment in cancer progression, with platelets contributing significantly to tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Platelet indices derived from routine hematological investigations have attracted attention as inexpensive, accessible biomarkers in malignancies. The aim is to evaluate alterations in platelet indices among patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma and to assess their potential utility as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Material and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital between January 2022 and April 2024. The study included 50 participants: 25 patients with histopathologically confirmed well-differentiated (Grade I) OSCC and 25 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Platelet parameters—platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), plateletcrit (PCT), platelet large cell coefficient (P-LCC), and platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR)—were analyzed using automated hematology analyzers. Statistical comparison between groups was performed using independent t-tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: OSCC patients demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in platelet count compared to controls (p < 0.001). MPV was marginally elevated, while P-LCC and PCT showed a decreasing trend in OSCC cases; however, these differences were not statistically significant. No significant variation was observed in PDW and P-LCR between the groups. Conclusion: Platelet count appears to be a promising hematological biomarker in OSCC. Although other platelet indices showed suggestive trends, larger longitudinal studies are required to validate their diagnostic and prognostic relevance in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Keywords: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Platelet Indices, Mean Platelet Volume, Hematological Biomarkers, Tumor Microenvironment.

Outline