Open AccessTransepithelial Monitoring for Reoccurrence of Oral Cavity Cancer
Author(s) -
Seltzer Paul,
Loewenstein Ronald K.,
Carroll Deborah J.,
Buechler R. Bruce
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
otolaryngology–head and neck surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.232
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1097-6817
pISSN - 0194-5998
DOI - 10.1177/0194599811415823a76
Subject(s) - medicine , biopsy , cancer , radiology , surgery , cytopathology , lesion , brush , oral cavity , disfigurement , cytology , pathology , dentistry , electrical engineering , engineering
Objective Attempting to minimize additional biopsy and disfigurement in suspicious areas with resection from previous oral cavity cancers, we utilized and evaluated the results provided from a brush biopsy prior to making further treatment decisions. Method Over the past 2 years, brush biopsies were performed on patients with a past history of oral cancer who, during periodic reevaluation, presented with a suspicious lesion. During the evaluation period, cytopathology results were evaluated in conjunction with provided clinically relevant information and correlated with clinical treatment decisions. Results In a review of 22 cases, evaluation of brush biopsy specimens revealed abnormal or dysplastic cells in 27% of cases; these patients either had surgical biopsy or definitive treatment. In 72% of cases abnormal or dysplastic cells were not identified; these patients were placed on a periodic reevaluation protocol. Conclusion Brush biopsy cytology can provide information useful for monitoring patients with a history of oral cancer who present with suspicious lesions. Findings from brush biopsy can be utilized in some cases to place a patient into definitive treatment or on an observation.