Intratumoral platelet microthrombi in oral squamous cell carcinoma: A marker of lymph node metastasis

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveA hypercoagulable state exists in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), but the role of platelets in the tumour microenvironment has not been explored. This study revealed the status of intratumoral plateletmicrothrombi (PLT‐MT) and their clinicopathological relevance and predictive value in OSCC.Study DesignThis study retrospectively evaluated 106 OSCC patients. Tumour and tumour‐adjacent tissue specimens were used to stain PLT‐MT. Clinicopathological information, patient follow‐ups and outcomes and preoperative coagulation and inflammatory hematologic indicators were collected, and their correlation with PLT‐MT was analysed.ResultsIntratumoral PLT‐MT was present in 35 of 106 patients with OSCC who had higher preoperative D‐dimer, CRP, FIB and PT levels and lower TT levels. PLT‐MT was an independent correlative factor of lymph node metastasis and suggested worse OS in N0 patients.ConclusionsIntratumoral PLT‐MT was found in OSCC and was correlated with a hypercoagulable inflammatory state. PLT‐MT was an independent marker of lymph node metastasis and showed potential in prognosis prediction.