Oral squamous cell carcinoma: early detection using brush scrape cytology and association with various risk factors

ABSTRACT Background The incidence of oral cancers and oral premalignant lesions is very high in India. Although biopsy followed by histopathology is considered as gold standard in diagnosis of these lesions, it may not be possible to do biopsy in all suspected cases who may be medically compromised or refuse to undergo biopsy. In such cases, brush cytology may offer an attractive alternative. Aims and Objectives This study was undertaken to know the utility of oral brush scrape cytology in detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma and correlating the oral premalignant and malignant lesions with various risk factors. Material and Methods 50 patients attending oral medicine and ENT outpatient department who exhibited oral lesions suspicious of premalignancy or malignancy were enrolled. All patients underwent oral scrapping using a toothbrush. Specimens were analyzed manually. Histopathological confirmation by biopsy was obtained wherever possible. Statistical tests were applied. Results Brush cytology technique showed a reasonable sensitivity and specificity in detecting oral premalignant and malignant lesions. Conclusion Oral brush cytology is simple, noninvasive, painless and rapid method in assessing oral premalignant and malignant lesions and useful particularly in population screening programme.