The relationship between serum lipid levels and the risk of oral cancer

BACKGROUND: Lipids are the major cell membrane components essential for various biological functions including cell growth and division for the maintenance of cell integrity of normal and malignant tissues. The changes in lipid profile have long been associated with cancer. Hypocholesterolemia has been observed in patients with cancers of various organs. Therefore, a causative relationship might exist between plasma lipid levels and oral cancer patients. AIM: The objective of this study was to investigate the alterations and clinical significance of plasma lipid profiles in untreated head and neck cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 subjects (25 oral cancer patients and 5 controls) were included. Fasting blood lipid profile including cholesterol (C), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) were evaluated using spectrophotometric kits, with CHOD PAP technique. The values were then statistically analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc methods. RESULTS: The levels of total lipids, cholesterol and HDL were significantly lower in oral cancer patients as compared to controls, but LDL and VLDL values were not significant. CONCLUSION: An inverse relationship was found between the lipid levels and the occurrence of oral cancer. Hence, the lower plasma lipid status may be a useful indicator to detect the initial changes seen in neoplastic process.