Colposcopy and carcinoma buccal mucosa: finding significance, a pilot study

Introduction and objectives: The diagnosis of malignant and potentially malignant epithelial lesions of the oral mucosa cannot be based solely on clinical findings. Therefore, histologic evaluation of a representative biopsy specimen is necessary. However, the site for the biopsy is always a subjective choice that sometimes raises doubts about its representativeness. Colposcopy, a well-known gynaecological diagnostic procedure, is helpful in the selection of these sites of epithelial dysplasia depending upon the vascular pattern. Hence, this study was planned to assess the role of Colposcopic examination in the selection of biopsy site for carcinoma buccal mucosa. Materials and methods: 30 patients between the ages of 30-60 years clinically diagnosed with carcinoma buccal mucosa were included in the study. For each of the subject, a thorough clinical examination followed by Colpospopic assessment was carried out and the most representative site was selected for biopsy from the involved buccal mucosa. The biopsy specimens measuring 6 mm were taken using a punch biopsy and subjected to histopathological examination. The histopathological findings were then compared in the two cases. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of biopsy done on the basis of clinical criteria was found to be more than as compared to the ones directed through colposcopic examination. Conclusion: From the study, it was concluded that clinical criterion was found to be more appropriate for the selection of biopsy specimens in cases of carcinoma buccal mucosa. KeywordsColposcopy, potentially malignant epithelial lesions, histopathological, epithelial dysplasia, vascular pattern.