Transepithelial Monitoring for Reoccurrence of Oral Cavity Cancer

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.