RESUMEN
Background & objectives:The purpose of this study was to assess the serum levels of β2 microglobulin in oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral leukoplakia and to evaluate the possible role of β2 microglobulin as a biochemical parameter in the diagnosis of oral cancer.Methods: Serum β2 microglobulin levels were evaluated using ELISA in thirty patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma, thirty patients with oral leukoplakia, and thirty age-&sexmatched disease-free controls.Results: It was observed that there was a significant increase in serum β2 microglobulin levels in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients as compared to oral leukoplakia and controls. Progressively higher values were obtained as the cancer advanced clinically with respect to clinical staging, tumor size and nodal status. Although, serum β2 microglobulin levels were increased in oral leukoplakia compared to controls, it was found to be statistically insignificant.Interpretation & conclusion: From these results, it seems that evaluation of serum β2 microglobulin levels may be useful as one of the battery of tests in assessment of oral carcinoma and leukoplakia.