Assessment of magnesium and calcium status in oral cancer patients

Abstract

Background: Tumor markers assist in the field of oral cancer. The aim of this study is to determine whether Mg and Ca ions could serve as tumor markers.Materials and methods: A total sample of 53 individuals was studied that includes 33 patients with oral cancer and 20 well-matching control. Estimation of Mg and Ca levels in the lymphocytes of healthy individuals and patients, in the normal and diseased tissues of patients were performed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer.Results: The values of both elements in the lymphocytes of patients were exchangeable according to the histopathological diagnosis. They were generally elevated in comparison to the control. (Ca = (3.983±3.214mean ±SD), Mg = (2.598±2.364 mean ±SD). Decrease levels of either elements in the diseased tissues observed in comparison to normal tissues in both sexes but it was more obvious in females than males (P<0.001 for Ca, P<0.002 for Mg).Conclusion: Patients with oral cancer are immune suppressed and immune disturbance could be the cause of the results found in this work.