[Platelet count of peripheral blood is associated with invasion and metastasis of esophageal carcinoma].

Objective: To analyze the association between the platelet count of peripheral blood and clincopathologic parameters of esophageal carcinoma.

Methods: Platelets of peripheral blood were measured in 415 cases of esophageal carcinoma and 325 healthy subjects as control. The correlation of platelet counts and clinicopathological features of cancer was analyzed.

Result: Platelet count in patients with esophageal carcinomas (286+/-88)x10(9)/L was significantly higher than that in the control subjects [(204+/-114)x10(9)/L, P<0.05 ]. Increased platelet counts (>300 x 10(9)/L) was significantly associated with tumor infiltration and lymph node metastasis in patients with esophageal cancer (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Platelet count of peripheral blood might be associated with the development and progression of esophageal cancer.