Comparison of the mtDNA content and the T/N ratio in tumors of different size. (a) mtDNA content of tumor tissues and their surrounding pathologically normal tissues, in tumors of different size. (b) T/N ratio of tumors with different size. T: mtDNA content of the tumor tissue; N: mtDNA content of the pathologically normal tissue surrounding the tumor tissue; T/N ratio: the ratio of mtDNA content of the tumor tissue to that of the pathologically normal tissue surrounding the tumors from the same individual; X-axis represents tumor size in cubic centimeter (totally 11 groups); the Y-axis represents mtDNA content (mtDNA/B2M gene) and T/N ratio respectively in (a) and (b); the results from other size groups were compared with those from the group of tumors sized 30–49.9 cubic centimeters; the symbols of, Δ, *, **, ***, **** and ***** represent significant P values of <0.1, <0.05, <0.01, <0.001, <0.0001 and <0.00001, respectively.