title: [Oral cytology: historical development, current status, and perspectives].
abstract: Oral cytology has aroused new interest caused by introduction of the cytobrush as a sampling device and the use of additional analytical methods. By brushing it is possible to reach deeper layers of the oral mucosa where squamous intraepithelial neoplasia (SIN) begins. The biological potential of the oral epithelial cells obtained can be evaluated by the following additional methods: computer-assisted image analysis (OralCDx), DNA cytometry, immunohistochemistry, monolayer cytology, and molecular biological analysis. All of those methods can increase sensitivity (up to 100%) and specificity (up to 100%) of oral brush biopsy. Nevertheless, there are reports that oral epithelial carcinomas were not identified. No comparative study exists allowing conclusions to be drawn about the value of the single methods. Immunocytochemistry with commercial antibodies against laminin-5 is generally available and methodologically easy. Oral brush biopsy as a non invasive diagnostic method can be useful for the early detection of oral mucosal lesions. Positive findings or progression of the lesion despite negative findings are indications to refer the patient to a specialized clinic where a surgical biopsy should be performed, followed by histopathological analysis. Histopathology remains the gold standard for the definitive diagnosis of oral malignant lesions.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Mund-, Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie, Klinikum der Universität Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hullmann
authors.forename: T E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Reichert
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dahse
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: von Eggeling
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Pistner
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kosmehl
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Driemel
mesh_terms: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods; D002278:Carcinoma in Situ / Q000473:pathology*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology*; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000032:analysis; D003584:Cytological Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D000097794:Kalinin
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm; D000097794:Kalinin