From Exfoliative Cytology to Oral Brush Biopsy: An Advance in
the Early Detection of Oral Precancers and Cancers The high
mortality rate from oral cancer is due to several factors, but
undoubtedly, the most significant is delayed diagnosis. Studies
have demonstrated that the survival and cure rate dramatically
increase when oral cancer is detected in its precancerous stage
or at an early asymptomatic stage. For example, the 5-year
survival for patients with localized disease approximates 80%
compared to 20% for those with distant metastases.
Unfortunately, approximately two thirds of patients at time of
diagnosis are symptomatic, and over 50% display evidence of
spread to regional lymph nodes and metastases. Given the
significant morbidity and mortality associated with advanced
oral cancer and its treatment, the need to provide clinicians
with an accurate diagnostic technique that will increase the
detection of early stage oral cancer has been compelling.
Advances in the early detection of oral cancer are unf