ABO Blood Groups as Predictors of Oral Malignancy Risk - A Retrospective Study.

Abstract

Introduction: Oral cancer is a major public health issue globally, especially in developing countries. While various risk factors for oral malignancies have been identified, the role of genetic and immunological predisposition remains unclear. This retrospective case-control study investigates the association between ABO blood groups and the risk of developing oral malignancies in the Indian population, aiming to provide insights into potential predictive markers for early detection and prevention.

Materials and methods: A total of 307 patients with histologically confirmed oral malignancies, diagnosed between January 2011 and December 2014, were analysed. Demographic details, ABO blood group data and the anatomical site of malignancy were extracted from medical records. These patients were compared to 600 healthy controls. Statistical analysis used the Chi-square test for association, and odds ratios were calculated to estimate risk.

Results: Among 307 patients diagnosed with oral malignancies, the majority were male (75%), with the peak incidence observed in the fifth decade of life. Buccal mucosa was the most commonly affected site (73%), followed by tongue and alveolar ridge. Analysis of ABO blood group distribution revealed that blood group A was the most prevalent among cases. Individuals with blood group A demonstrated a 1.46-fold higher risk of developing oral malignancies compared to other blood groups (P < 0.05).

Discussion: The study showed a significant association between blood group A and the risk of developing oral malignancies in the Indian population. These findings may assist in identifying high-risk individuals and developing targeted screening programs for early detection and improved outcomes.