Role of Serum C-reactive Protein Levels in Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders and Oral Cancer: A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: Inflammation plays an important role in the process of carcinogenesis. It is associated with initiation, progression as well as metastasis of cancer. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a reliable marker for inflammation. Aim: The present study is designed to determine and compare the serum CRP levels in Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF), Oral Leukoplakia (OL), Oral Cancer (OC) and Healthy Controls (HC) in order to assess its possible role in carcinogenesis. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 participants were equally divided in four groups i.e. OSMF, OL, OC and HC. From each participant, 5 ml of blood was obtained from antecubital vein. The serum was analysed for CRP levels using nephelometric analysis method. Results: There were total 29 males and 11 females, who were between 16 to 77 years of age, with a mean age of 44.45 +/- 7.45 years. The serum CRP levels were significantly increased in OSMF, OL and OC groups as compared to HC group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Serum CRP levels can be used as diagnostic and prognostic marker for oral premalignant and malignant lesions.