ORAL CANCER SCREENINGS/EVALUATIONS Cytologic smear or brush biopsy can be performed from the ulcerated surface or intact, but suspicious appearing mucosa. This means cells are harvested from the lesion and transferred to a microscope slide, where they are stained and prepared for microscopic evaluation. Tissue biopsy and microscopic examination is necessary to confirm the diagnosis, although clinical impression (how the lesion appears visually and behaves over time) is also very important. Scientists are searching for biomarkers in saliva, an easy to obtain body fluid, for noninvasive detection of oral cancer—and possibly other forms of cancer. A tissue sample may also be harvested traditionally, either in part (incisional biopsy) or or via complete removal of the lesion (excisional biopsy). This is typically done with a scalpel. Visual examination often uncovers the presence of oral cancer. The visual cues upon examination are: deep seated ulcerated mass (extending into adjacent tissues), fungating ulcerated mass (extending away from the adjacent tissues), the ulcerated margins are commonly elevated, adjacent tissues may be indurated (hardened or thickened), may have residual leukoplakia and/or erythroplakia, and SCC most often occurs on the posterior lateral tongue, oropharynx and floor of the mouth—an area known as Waldeyers Ring. Oral cancer screening tests are now available to assist the doctor at early detection of cancers that may otherwise be difficult to identify through visual examination.
Posted on: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 13:00:00 +0000
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