Comparison of the Neutrophil-To-Lymphocyte and Platelet-To-Lymphocyte Ratios in Two Groups of Patients With Benign and Malignant Salivary Gland Tumors Publisher

Summary: Can blood-cell ratios flag salivary cancer? In 380 patients, NLR and PLR were higher with malignant tumors, but diagnostic performance differed. #SalivaryGlands #Biomarkers

Shafieyoun M H ; Berjis N ; Eshaghian A
Source: Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Published:2026

Abstract

Introduction: 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. Materials and Methods: 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 preoperation laboratory exams. Results: 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%). Conclusion: 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. ©2026 Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.