Alterations in the Serum Lipid Profile in Patients with Oral Cancer, Oral Precancerous Lesions/Conditions associated with the Habit of Tobacco Consumption

The changes in lipid profile have long been associated with cancer because lipids play a key role in maintenance of cell integrity. Lipids are the major cell membrane components essential for various biological functions including cell growth and division of normal and malignant tissues. Lower blood lipids have been associated with the etiology of breast and colorectal cancer, and relation has also been reported between low cholesterol and increased risk of cancer occurrence and mortality. The present study was designed to evaluate the serum lipid profile in patients with oral precancerous lesion/condition and squamous cell carcinoma to see whether there are any alterations in the lipid levels during the pathogenesis of these lesions and also to evaluate significance of lipid profile as biochemical marker, if any.