Diagnostic Accuracy of Oral Cancer and Suspicious Malignant Mucosal Changes among Future Dentists

Kamis Gaballah,Fatima Jassem Fakih,Omar Kujan,Anfal Yousuf Alsaadi,Nadeen Faiz Noshi,Asmaa Faden

doi:10.3390/healthcare9030263

Kamis Gaballah, Fatima Jassem Fakih + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9030263

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Abstract

This study aimed to assess the ability of dental students and recent graduates to detect and recognize mucosal changes that are suggestive of oral cancer and potentially malignant disorders. In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire was administered to dental students and recent graduates of Ajman University (n = 132). Completed questionnaires were received from 84 (63.6%) females and 48 (36.4%) males which included fifth-year students (n = 80), interns (n = 39), and dental practitioners (n = 13). This questionnaire was designed to assess the respondent’s ability to detect and recognize different types of oral lesions, as well as their knowledge of oral cancer appearance and malignancy potential. The overall accuracy of diagnosis was 46%. The participants correctly identified normal variations, benign tumors, malignant tumors, and premalignant lesions at rates of 60.3%, 31.0%, 55.7%, and 33.4%, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two genders in their ability to recognize and detect correct answers (females, 48.3%; males, 47.2%). According to education level, interns provided the highest percentage of correct answers (52.5%), followed by newly dental practitioners (51.9%) and fifth-year students (44.1%). Conclusion: The respondents of this survey did not exhibit a satisfactory diagnostic capability in recognizing mucosal changes consistent with the clinical presentation of oral cancer. Thus, a need exists for improved and updated educational methods for undergraduate students regarding oral cancer and potentially malignant disorders. Meanwhile, practitioners should look for oral abnormalities to provide better diagnosis and management. Practitioners should also stay up to date on the oral malignancy topic by attending workshops and clinicopathological conferences.

Highlights

Oral cancer is a deleterious disease which can manifest in any part of the oral cavity or lips
Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) are frequently preceded by white or red colored mucosal changes known as leukoplakia or erythroplakia [3]
The cases included in the questionnaire were selected by a panel of oral medicine specialists to represent the following categories: (1) normal variation of anatomy of the oral cavity, (2) benign oral mucosal lesions, (3) oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), and (4) oral malignancies

Summary

Introduction

Oral cancer is a deleterious disease which can manifest in any part of the oral cavity or lips. Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) are frequently preceded by white or red colored mucosal changes known as leukoplakia or erythroplakia [3]. A lesion that is both red and white in color is referred to as erythroleukoplakia [4]. In the latter mixed lesion, there is an increased risk of invasive carcinoma cells being present, leading to their classification as “potentially malignant disorders” [3]. The majority of leukoplakias will not proceed to cancer Their potential for malignant transformation is well documented [4]. Some OSCCs may manifest as ulcers with or without adjacent white or red mucosal changes. Continued growth leads to an exophytic or endophytic mass with a raised, rolled border [1,4]

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