Alterations in serum lipid profile patterns in oral cancer: correlation with histological grading and tobacco abuse

Albeit alterations in serum lipid profile patterns have long been associated with malignancies, still role of these alterations remains controversial. It has been suggested a causative relationship might exist between plasma lipid levels and oral cancer patients. Further, the habit of tobacco consumption is on the rise and most often the oral cancer patients are afflicted with this menace. As a matter of fact, tobacco contains carcinogens capable of damaging the cell membrane components including lipids. Thus, the purpose of the present review is to discuss the basics of lipids and to evaluate alterations in plasma lipid profile in oral cancer patients and its association with histological grading and tobacco abuse. Pertinent literature was searched in PubMed and Medline by using key words such as serum lipid profile, oral cancer, histological grades and tobacco abuse.