Lugol Iodine Staining Test in Assessing Disease Free Margins in Tonsillar Cancer

Abstract

The carcinoma of the tonsil represents 10-15% of the total of malignant tumors in the oral cavity, having a predilection for males and the great majority is represented by squamous cell carcinomas. In order to improve the long term results of oncologic treatment for patients with tonsillar malignancies early diagnosis and disease free margins during surgery are mandatory. These can be obtained using lugol iodine staining during resection surgery for malignant tumors of the tonsil. This method has been shown to be effective, easy to use, cheap and safe.