Potentially malignant diseases are diseases which have a morphologically altered tissue that has a greater malignant potential.These are triggered by oral habits, nutritional deficiencies, immunological process, and genetic predisposition. Early detection of these diseases helps in better prognosis. Iron is an essential nutrient for the body, it has a central role in metabolism and it is also an essential component of DNA synthesis. There are studies done to estimate the iron indices in oral precancer versus cancer diseases, which shows the influence of iron in cell metabolism in these diseases.
Aim: To estimate the serum iron concentration and total iron binding capacity in subjects with premalignant lesions and conditions and to compare the result with normal subjects
Method: The present study comprised of 64 subjects in the age group of 30 to 70 years diagnosed with PML or PMC and both clinically and histopathologically confirmed. Control group consisted of 63 healthy subjects. Blood samples were assessed for serum iron and total iron binding capacity through a Biochemical method using an Autoanalyser.
Result: A statistical significance was noted in serum iron concentration between premalignant lesion and conditions (p=0.000) but not with total iron binding capacity. Similarly significance was noted between age of different patients (p=0.006), but not gender when serum iron was considered and not in total binding capacity.
Conclusion: Estimating the serum indices in potentially malignant disorder patients, serves as prognostic and diagnostic marker in high risk groups.