Effectiveness of the 'Oral Rub And Rinse Technique' As a Tool for Oral Cancer Screening in South Indian Population

Abstract

Background: Oral cancer is a public health problem and causing huge economic and a social burden. Early detection of oral potentially malignant disorders and oral cancers is very important in reducing the morbidity and mortality rates. Aim: To assess the effectiveness of the 'Oral Rub and Rinse Technique' as a tool for oral cancer screening among South Indian population. Methods: A population based, high risk targeted oral cancer screening was conducted in 2 districts of Karnataka, South India. About 523 subjects participated in the study. Data were collected regarding the sociodemographic details, history of tobacco use and knowledge regarding oral cancer. The participants were then screened for presence of oral premalignant/malignant lesions or conditions. Exfoliative cytology was done using traditional method and the 'Oral Rub and Rinse Technique' if red/white lesions were present. Smears were stained with Papanicolaou (PAP) stain and were evaluated by 2 cytopathologists independently. The data were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Of the 523 subjects, 112 had red/white lesions. Of these, 23% were Class I smears, 24% Class II smears, 31% Class III and 16% Class IV smears and 6% were unsatisfactory using the conventional technique whereas the Oral Rub and Rinse Technique showed 19% Class I smears, 28% Class II smears, 32% Class III smears, 17% Class IV smears and 4% unsatisfactory. The cellular quantity and quality in terms of clarity and dispersion was better with the smears prepared by the Oral Rub and Rinse Technique than the conventional technique. Conclusion: Oral Rub and Rinse Technique can be a reliable tool for population screening of oral cancer.