Comparison of the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratios in Two Groups of Patients with Benign and Malignant Salivary Gland Tumors

TL;DR

This study compares blood cell ratios in patients with benign and malignant salivary gland tumors to help predict cancer outcomes.

Contribution

The study identifies specific cut-off values for NLR and PLR to differentiate between benign and malignant salivary gland tumors.

Findings

NLR and PLR were significantly higher in malignant compared to benign salivary gland tumors.

The optimal cut-off for NLR was 2.24 with 78% sensitivity and 80% specificity.

The optimal cut-off for PLR was 104.35 with 68% sensitivity and 60% specificity.

Abstract

The ratio of neutrophils to peripheral lymphocytes is an inflammatory marker, and, based on previous studies, this ratio is associated with poor survival in several cancers. This study was conducted to compare the neutrophils-to-lymphocytes ratio (NLR) and platelets-to-lymphocytes ratio (PLR) in two groups of patients with benign and malignant salivary gland tumors.

This study was cross-sectional, comparing two groups of patients with benign and malignant salivary gland masses. During the last 6 years (from 2018 to 2024), 380 Patients with a definite diagnosis of salivary gland tumors were included in the study, and NLR and PLR data were obtained from pre-operation laboratory exams.

NLR and PLR were significantly higher on average than in benign masses (P<0.05). The best cut point was 2.24 for NLR (sensitivity: 78%, specificity: 80%) and 104.35 for PLR (sensitivity: 68%, specificity: 60%).

NLR and PLR are easy, practical methods that provide valuable information for diagnosing, assessing severity, and predicting prognosis of various diseases, such as salivary gland masses.

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