METHODS OF ORAL CANCER SCREENING

• Published in: Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology, 2020-01, Vol.129 (1), p.e142-e142
• Main Authors: LEPPER, TATIANA WANNMACHER, DAROIT, NATALIA BATISTA, SALGUEIRO, ARTHUR PIAS, DE OLIVEIRA, MARCIA GAIGER, VISIOLI, FERNANDA, RADOS, PANTELIS VARVAKI
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2212-4403; 2212-4411
• DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2019.06.615

Oral cancer, mainly squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and precursors are still a great challenge for all health care professionals, particularly for oral surgeons. The early diagnosis of OSCC contributes to the minimization of patient morbidity and mortality. To achieve this goal, several methods of early detection, at the cellular level as well as phenotypic changes, can be used. Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical applicability of screening tests in patients at risk for oral cancer. Study Design: This is an experimental, observational, and analytical study whose sample is constituted by patients who smoke and exhibit lesions diagnosed clinically as leukoplakia. The sequence of diagnostic methods was anamnesis, clinical examination, photographic examination, toluidine blue stain, cytologic collection, and biopsy. Results: In this preliminary report, the photographic examination revealed better results compared with toluidine blue stain. This better clinical performance was demonstrated by the best lesion margin demarcation. Toluidine blue–positive staining showed more aggressive epithelial changes. Conclusions: The screening tests employed up to now have potential to be auxiliary tools in the diagnosis in early detection of OSCC.