Validation of the Invasive Pattern Grade Score as an Independent Prognostic Factor in Oral Squamous Cell Cancers

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aim To prove the validity of an invasive pattern grade score (IPGS) as an independent prognostic factor in oral squamous cell carcinomas. Introduction Oral squamous cell carcinomas are the most common type of cancers in Indian males and their treatment is associated with morbidity and socioeconomic losses to the individual and society. In spite of advances in diagnosis and therapy, prognosis and survival remain dismal: One, due to late clinical presentation and two, due to the unpredictable biological behavior of these cancers. Validation of IPGS as an independent prognostic factor may reduce the uncertainty involved in treatment. Materials and methods A retrospective analysis of the records of all patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas treated with surgery between July 2010 and June 2012 was done. A total of 54 patients were analyzed with respect to various clinicopathological parameters including IPGS. Results Statistically significant associations were established between IPGS and tumor recurrence (p < 0.004) and death due to cancer (p < 0.02). Invasive pattern grade score was not influenced by age, tumor size, gender, site, clinical stage, or histologic grade. Conclusion Our study indicates the validity of IPGS as an independent prognostic factor that can be used to predict disease behavior in oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas. Further studies are required to establish this score as a routine part of the histopathological examination and to help us in choosing treatment modalities. How to cite this article Ranganath R, Sethi S, Madur B. Validation of the Invasive Pattern Grade Score as an Independent Prognostic Factor in Oral Squamous Cell Cancers. Int J Head Neck Surg 2017;8(1):21-24.