Abstract: A method of treating oral cancer is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing at least one photodynamic treatment comprising the steps of (i) applying a composition comprising improved toluidine blue to oral cells; wherein the composition comprises a greater percentage by weight of the conformational isomers of toluidine blue compared to the N-demethylated derivatives thereof; and wherein the composition localizes to oral cancer cells; and activating the applied composition, thereby killing the oral cancer cells.

Abstract: Described herein is a device used to perform examinations for detection of abnormal epithelial tissue, the device includes a handle portion, a housing and a mirror assembly secured to an end of the housing. The housing has first and second ends and is detachably connectable to the handle. The housing defines an interior and an opening that communicates the interior with an exterior of the housing when the handle and housing are connected.

Abstract: Methods of detecting progression from precancer to cancer are provided utilizing toluidine blue staining as well as detecting allelic variation at microsatellite loci. An allelic variation in one or more locus is indicative of a progression from precancer to cancer.

Abstract: Described herein is a device used to perform medical examinations. The device includes at least one sidewall and at least one end, wherein the sidewall at least partially defines both a chemical housing and a handle portion. The chemical housing preferably includes a light source disposed therein. A reflective layer may be applied to at least a portion of the sidewall defining the chemical housing.

Abstract: A method of detecting abnormal epithelial tissue. The method includes the steps of providing a light source, providing a housing having an opening defined therein, inserting the light source into the housing, illuminating an area of epithelial tissue with incident light emitted from the light source that is directed through the opening in the housing, wherein at least a portion of the incident light is reflected from the area, thereby creating reflected light having has at least one wavelength, and viewing the reflected light. The housing is preferably opaque.

Abstract: The visibility of abnormal tissue under light having wavelength peaks which selectively identify abnormal tissue is enhanced in the presence of normal ambient light by viewing the tissue through lens which transmit the wavelength peaks but block transmission of other wavelengths.