Current Insights into Oral Cancer Diagnostics

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Diagnostic Technology
• Biomarkers

Background:

• Oral cancer is a prevalent head and neck malignancy with a poor 5-year survival rate below 50%.
• Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) often precede oral cancer, but assessing progression risk is challenging.
• Current visual examination methods for oral lesions have limitations, leading to late-stage diagnosis or misdiagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing diagnostic methods for oral cancer.
• To explore future applications of novel technologies in oral cancer diagnosis.
• To improve early detection and treatment of oral cancerous lesions.

Main Methods:

• Review of current diagnostic technologies for OPMDs and oral cancer.
• Analysis of emerging biomarkers, electronic systems, and artificial intelligence in diagnostics.
• Evaluation of regulatory-approved diagnostic systems and medical devices.

Main Results:

• Several diagnostic technologies are available, with some approved as in vitro diagnostics or medical devices.
• Novel biomarkers, electronic systems, and AI show promise for early detection.
• Limitations in current visual examination highlight the need for advanced diagnostic tools.

Conclusions:

• Improved diagnostic options are needed to enhance the effective diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer.
• Emerging technologies offer potential for a new era of early OPMD and oral cancer detection.
• Advancing diagnostic strategies can significantly impact patient outcomes and survival rates.