Don't rush, first brush: A comparative study between Modified Brush Biopsy (MBB) and Liquid-Based Cytology (LBC)

Introduction: Oral cancer accounts for 2-4% of all malignant tumors worldwide with the percentage going much higher in the Indian subcontinent. Many of these lesions are in the advanced stage at the time of diagnosis. Research is always on for newer techniques to improve early detection and diagnosis of oral malignancy. Oral brush biopsy is one such technique. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the clinical usefulness of two modified oral brush biopsy techniques in the early detection of oral cancer. Study Design: Two modified oral brush biopsy techniques, one performed with a baby brush spreading the cells directly on slide and then fixed and another with a specially prepared brush submerged in a liquid fixer, were performed in 24 patients having oral submucous fibrosis clinically. These were followed by punch biopsy (as a gold standard). All specimens were analyzed for cytology and histopathology manually. Results and Conclusion: Modified brush biopsy (MBB) and liquid-based cytology (LBC) both can be potential methods for early detection of oral cancer in different conditions.