We studied quantitatively differences in consistency of normal gingiva, gingiva affected with squamous cell carcinoma, and that with leukoplakia to evaluate its potential for the preoperative diagnosis of gingival carcinoma. Twenty-nine patients with gingival squamous cell carcinoma, 24 with leukoplakia, and 120 with normal gingiva were examined using an instrument capable of measuring consistency as a function of the load (in grams) needed to displace gingiva by 1.0mm by a probe 1.0mm in diameter. The mean values of consistency in normal gingiva were 67.9±4.8g, 68.1±4.3g, 59.7±4.6g, and 67.4±4.2g, corresponding to the maxillary labial, maxillary buccal, mandibular labial, and mandibular buccal, respectively. The mean value of consistency in gingival carcinoma and leukoplakia was 24.5±3.3g, and 52.4±7.1g, respectively. Differences in consistency among gingival carcinoma, leukoplakia, and normal gingiva were significant (p<0.001). It was concluded that the consistency in gingival lesions was objectively and quantitatively evaluated by this instrument.
