Evaluation of Mirror Image Biopsy for Incidence of Multiple Premalignant and Malignant Lesions in Oral Cancer: A Clinical Study

Introduction: To histologically evaluate the mirror image biopsy obtained from the apparently normal looking mucosa at corresponding contralateral anatomical sites to determine the incidence of multiple premalignant and malignant lesions in oral cancer. Materials and methods: Fifty patients with unilateral, single, untreated, histologically confirmed oral squamous cell carcinoma underwent mirror image biopsy from apparently normal looking mucosa at corresponding contralateral anatomical site. The mirror image biopsy specimens were subjected to histopathological examination. Results: The age group of the patients ranged from 42 to 70 years with male to female ratio of 1.2:1. Of 50 patients, 38 (76%) revealed abnormal epithelial changes ranging in the degree from hyperkeratosis (12%), dysplasia (48%) and premalignant changes like leukoplakia, erythroplakia, submucous fibrosis, etc. (16%) in the mirror image sites. The incidence was high in males, with increasing age of the patient and duration of exposure to habits. Conclusion: Mirror image biopsies should be considered as useful diagnostic tool for early detection of premalignant changes so as to prevent further progression of these changes to oral cancer.