Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology

Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology

Comparison of the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratios in Two Groups of Patients with Benign and Malignant Salivary Gland Tumors

Document Type : Original

Authors
Mohammad Hossein Shafieyoun 1
Nezamoddin Berjis 2
Afrooz Eshaghian 2
1 Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, faculty of Medicine, Isfahan Iran.
2 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kashani Hospital, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan Iran.
10.22038/ijorl.2025.89668.4001
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 pre-operation 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.
Keywords
Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio
Platelet to lymphocyte ratio
Benign masses
Malignant masses
Salivary glands
Subjects
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Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
Volume 38, Issue 1
January and February 2026
Pages 29-35