A technique for oral exfoliative cytology

Abstract

Oral exfoliative cytologic examinations have been demonstrated to be reliable for diagnosing very early malignant changes. The technique of obtaining Pap smears is simple, useful, and applicable to the general practice of dentistry. To be a meaningful weapon against malignant lesions, the exfoliative cytologic examinations must be coupled with regular, repetitive clinical examinations of each patient's oral cavity and contiguous regions throughout his lifetime.