INTRODUCTION: When compared to conventional cytopathology (CC), liquid-based cytology (LBC) has been referred to as a method of superior performance in cervical smears. OBJECTIVE: To quantitatively and qualitatively compare oral smears obtained through conventional cytopathology and liquid medium cytology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six individuals with normal oral mucosa had the lateral border of their tongues scraped. Three collecting instruments were tested in this process: endocervical brush (cytobrush), a plastic spatula, and the LBC kit brush. Both methods, CC and LBC, were applied. Results: The endocervical brush was the most appropriate collecting instrument; as far as method is concerned, liquid medium cytology provided slides with more regular and homogeneous cellular distribution in comparison to conventional cytopathology. There was also a reduction in the number of inflammatory cells and bacteria colonies. DISCUSSION: Cellular overlapping was not totally eliminated in the liquid medium cytology as reported in medical literature, inasmuch as it was present in some slides, though in a smaller amount. Although in cervical samples the reduction of inflammatory cells, erythrocytes and mucus is considered an advantage of LBC, in oral smears these elements may represent significant aspects of some oral diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Liquid-based cytology may be an additional technique to be used with complementary exams in oral diagnosis, but despite the fact it presents some favorable results some adaptations are still necessary for its use in oral diagnosis.
Cytopathology; Liquid-based cytology; Oral diagnosis
