We developed a novel and simple method to identify dysplastic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) induced in rats by colon carcinogens more efficiently and selectively without conducting laborious histological examination, which usually requires enough time to get final diagnosis. By adding a simple decolorization process with 70% methanol after conventional 0.2% methylene blue staining, dysplastic ACF could be differentially contrasted. To examine the validity of this novel method, which we refer to as differential staining, we analyzed colonic lesions induced by three heterocyclic amines, including 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine, and found that the number of dysplastic ACF detected more precisely reflected their carcinogenic potential than the total numbers of ACF.