Lugol Chromoscopy in the Follow-up of Head and Neck Carcinoma

INTRODUCTION: Lugol is helpful in identifying early second primary tumors (SPTs) during oroscopy and pharyngoscopy, but this technique has not been assessed during follow-up visits with these patients. AIM: The aim of this study is to describe the use of Lugol (a low-cost method) to diagnose SPTs in the oral cavity and oropharynx. METHODS: Patients treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck were randomly assigned to two groups. Group A was examined with routine oroscopy and pharyngoscopy without Lugol, and Group B was examined with routine oroscopy and pharyngoscopy without stain and with Lugol. A total of 211 patients were included during 4 years. RESULTS: Six oral and oropharynx carcinomas were detected in Group A. Eighteen oral and oropharynx carcinomas were detected in Group B, twelve of which were not seen without chromoscopy but were detected with Lugol. CONCLUSION: Lugol increases the detection of malignant lesions compared to routine examination alone.