Gelfoam sponge biopsy in the diagnosis of oral carcinoma

Abstract

One or more Gelfoam sponge biopsy specimens were taken in eleven consecutive cases of carcinoma (proved positive by surgical biopsy) of the oral cavity. One each of these Gelfoam biopsies was performed, processed, and studied according to the technique of Gladstone, while additional specimens were studied by a slightly modified technique. In our hands, fixed, mounted, and stained sections of these Gelfoam biopsy specimens were negative for cancer in eight of the eleven cases.