Application of in vivo stain of methylene blue as a diagnostic aid in the early detection and screening of oral squamous cell carcinoma and precancer lesions.

BACKGROUND Early detection of oral malignant or precancerous lesion by screening individuals with high-risk factors may identify candidates who should receive treatment to prevent cancer progression and reduce patient mortality. Among the diagnostic tools, in vivo staining is advocated as a simple, inexpensive, and fairly sensitive method. METHODS The present study involved the examination of 58 patients suspected of having oral malignant or precancerous lesions by methylene blue staining. The results of methylene blue uptake were compared with a simultaneous biopsy of these lesions. The pathologically confirmed precancers and cancers were the positive targets of this screening, while benign epithelial lesions were sorted as negative subjects of screening. RESULTS The results revealed sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 69%, positive predictive value of 74%, and negative predictive value of 87%. CONCLUSION We consider that methylene blue staining is a useful diagnostic adjunct in a large, community-based oral cancer screening program for high-risk individuals.