Usefulness of Oral Exfoliative Cytology in Dental Practice

Abstract

Early detection of oral cancers is not easy, because oral precancerous lesions and early oral cancers can mimic many benign conditions in the mouth, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. There is a need to emphasize the early diagnosis of oral cancers in order to reduce the unacceptably high morbidity and mortality. Oral exfoliative cytology can be a powerful tool for early detection of malignant and premalignant lesions as well as for some viral and fungal infections. The use of oral exfoliative cytology in clinical practice declined due to the subjective nature of its interpretation and because there may be only a small number of abnormal cells identifiable in a smear. The more recent application of quantitative techniques, together with advances in immunocytochemistry, has refined the potential role of cytology, stimulating a reappraisal of its value in the diagnosis of oral cancer. The limitations of the method should be thoroughly understood and appreciated by the dental clinician. The aim of the publication is to encourage maximum participation of dental professional in early detection and control of oral cancer by means of early diagnosis through use of cytological smear.