An evaluation of Shandon Papspin liquid based oral test utilizing a novel cytologic scoring system

Abstract

Background and Aims: While a single “high quality” oral liquid based cytology (LBC) study has shown a high sensitivity and specificity for the technique in detection of oral dysplasia and malignancy, the high unit cost of this technology cannot be borne by the developing African countries. This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of an alternative cost-effective technique, Shandon PapSpin (PS) LBC in diagnosis of oral and oropharyngeal dysplasia and malignancy. Materials and Methods.We compared the diagnostic accuracy of Shandon PS LBC with that of scalpel biopsy in 69 patients. Transepithelial cytology specimens were obtained using a cervical Cytobrush. The cytology specimens were graded and scored using a novel oral cytologic grading and scoring system respectively. Results: Histological diagnosis of dysplasia or invasive squamous cell carcinoma was made in 51 of the 69 cases. Histology confirmed the cytological diagnosis of dysplasia or malignancy in 49 of the 51 cases. There were two false negative and no false positive cases. The sensitivity was 96% and the specificity 100%. The cytologic grade correlated positively with histologic grade. The best cut off value for distinguishing reactive/mildly dysplastic lesions from high 9 grade/invasive squamous cell carcinoma was determined as a cytologic score of 3, representing a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 96%. Conclusion: The Shandon PS LBC in association with transepithelial brush biopsy technique (TBBT) is a highly sensitive, specific and economical screening test in detection of oral and oropharyngeal dysplasia and malignancy. The proposed oral cytologic grading system correlates well with histology. The novel oral cytologic scoring system shows promise as a simple, reliable and reproducible scoring system. In addition, the liquid residual allows for immunocytochemical (Podoplanin) testing.