[Toluidine blue staining for detection of oral squamous carcinoma]

A pilot-study is presented to evaluate the use of Toluidine blue as a screening agent of premalignant and malignant oral lesions. Test results in 20 patients showed that Toluidine blue is effective in staining malignant lesions and not so in premalignant ones. The staining technique appears to be a worthwhile and simple diagnostic aid to support clinical evidence of malignancy. A biopsy remains mandatory in reaching the final diagnosis.