[Secondary immunological response to cryosurgery in various stages of oral cavity neoplasms]

The authors have evaluated general immunocompetence after cryosurgical treatment of 33 patients affected by oral squamous carcinoma. Patients have been divided into two groups: 17 of them were classifiable in 1st and 2nd stage and 16 of them in 3rd and 4th stages. Serum immunoglobulin levels, C3 - C4, peripheral lymphocytes, E-rosette forming cells, lymphocyte response to PHA were analyzed before a single cryotreatment 7 and 14 days after. The results indicate that immunological parameters vary in a significant way and can be constantly observed in 1st and 2nd stages, while the 3rd and 4th stages undergo no variations. Cryosurgery in the 1st and 2nd stages is able to modify, in particular, the parameters concerning cell - mediate immunity, although the phenomenon seems transitory, showing itself most on the seventh day.