[Identification of a recurrent oral squamous cell carcinoma by brush cytology].

Background: Large oral lesions comprise the risk that an incisional biopsy does not reveal the most aggressive site in spite of carefully selecting the place of biopsy.

Case report: The first incisional biopsy of a large, clinically suspect, oral lesion could not identify the subepidermal spread of a recurrent oral squamous cell carcinoma. Atypical cells obtained by a simultaneous brush biopsy prompted a renewed, incisional biopsy which finally established the diagnosis of a recurrent, oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Conclusions: The presented case emphasizes the value of brush biopsy in the follow-up of oral squamous cell carcinoma, especially in examination of oral lesions covering a large area.