The significance of systemic inflammatory markers in differentiating benign from malignant parotid gland tumors – a pilot study

Abstract

Introduction/Objective This study aimed to assess the diagnostic value and explore the potential role of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in distinguishing benign from malignant parotid gland tumors.

Methods Clinical data from 129 patients who underwent parotid surgery between 2014 and 2024 were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic characteristics, preoperative complete blood count parameters, and histopathological findings were compared. Patients were categorized into benign and malignant tumor groups based on histopathological diagnosis.

Results No significant difference was found in sex distribution between the groups (p > 0.05). Patients with malignant tumors were significantly older than those with benign tumors (p = 0.038). Lymphocyte and platelet counts were significantly higher in the benign tumor group (p = 0.008 and p = 0.029, respectively). In contrast, mean NLR values were significantly higher in patients with malignant tumors (p = 0.016). Although PLR and SII values were also higher in the malignant tumor group, the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusion NLR may serve as a supportive and adjunctive marker rather than a standalone diagnostic tool for differentiating between benign and malignant parotid gland tumors. This study should be considered a pilot study, and larger, controlled studies are required.

Keywords: parotid tumors; parotidectomy; neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio; platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio; systemic immune-inflammation index