Analysis of Hemoglobin Levels among Oral Cancer Patients: An Institutional Study

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. It is estimated that approximately half of all the tumors affecting the head and neck region commonly affect the oral cavity. Premalignant lesions can manifest as leukoplakia, erythroplakia, keratosis or even oral candidiasis. Hemoglobin (Hb) is a protein contained in the red blood cells of the body and plays an important role in delivery of oxygen to the tissues. A sufficient level of Hemoglobin is required to maintain oxygenation of the tissues. Anemia is defined as a reduction in hemoglobin levels below the lower limit pertaining to a particular age group. Treating anemia by increasing the levels of hemoglobin has proven to increase the quality of life of cancer patients. The aim of the present study is to analyze the Hb level in OSCC patients attending our institution.

Materials and Methods: The present retrospective institutional study was conducted after obtaining ethical clearance from the Institutional Ethical Approval Board to access patient records and data. A total of 5, 00,000 case sheets were analyzed from June 2019 to February 2021. Suitable inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied and case sheets were shortlisted. The data were entered in MS Excel spreadsheet and further statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS. All results were displayed as graphs and pie charts.

Results: 64 cases of OSCC were included in the present study with a male predominance. 45% of the study population had a level between 9-11 mg/dl. 60.3% of the population belonged to the age group of 50 and above.

Conclusion: Anemia in cancer can be precipitated due to various factors. It can be caused or exacerbated by the cancer itself due to immunosuppression or due to chemotherapy. Anemia can also be pre existing due to underlying conditions. It was found that hemoglobin levels are found to be higher in males and higher in ages 50+ when compared to ages 30-40. Low levels of hemoglobin and anemic conditions in oral cancer patients can cause excessive fatigue and can significantly affect quality of life and hence, hemoglobin therapy is widely administered to oral cancer patients.