Journal of Contemporary Medicine (Sep 2022)
The Role of Inflammatory Markers in the Differential Diagnosis of Skin Cancers
Abstract
Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of WBC count, NLR, LMR, PLR, Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) [(platelet count X neutrophil count) \ lymphocyte count] and platelet count (Plt)×NLR in the differential diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma and to determine the effect of tumor type, prediction of lymph node metastasis at initial diagnosis and location on these inflammatory markers. Material and Method: Patients who underwent surgery for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or malignant melanoma were retrospectively screened. NLR, LMR, PLR, SII and Plt×NLR were calculated. Relationships between tumor type, prediction of lymph node metastasis at initial diagnosis, tumor localization and the inflammatory and hematological parameters of interest were investigated. Tumor location was classified as head and neck and others. Results: A total of 257 patients were included in the study. No statistically significant differences in WBC, NLR, PLR, LMR, SII or Plt×NLR were detected according to tumor location. The patients with squamous cell carcinoma had higher NLR, PRL, SII and Plt×NLR values than those with basal cell carcinoma. The risk of lymph node metastasis at the time of initial diagnosis was 10.3 times higher in patients with PLR levels of 180.7 and higher. The risk of lymph node metastasis detected at initial diagnosis was 8.9 times higher in patients with Plt×NLR of 747 and higher. The risk of lymph node metastasis detected at initial diagnosis was 7.1 times higher in patients with SII of 414 and higher. Conclusion: Inflammatory markers seem to be useful in the differential diagnosis of skin cancers and determined the risk of lymph node metastasis. However, it does not differ according to tumor localization.
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