Brush test could detect oral cancer

Using a brush to collect cells from suspicious oral lesions and examining the levels of proteins within the lesions and the healthy tissue next to them could determine if the lesions are cancerous.

Researchers led by a clinician-scientist at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine developed the noninvasive test with the hopes of detecting oral cancer, monitoring precancerous lesions and determining if a biopsy is warranted.

One protein — human beta defensin 3 — is expressed at high levels in early-stage oral cancer, while another — human beta defensin 2 — is low or unchanged. Comparing the ratio of the two proteins in the lesion site versus the normal site could indicate if the lesion is cancerous.

Read more: Cell Reports Medicine

The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.