Oral Cancer Screening Research Articles

Evaluation of Serum and Salivary Lactate Dehydrogenase Levels in Patients with Oral Potentially Malignant Conditions/Lesions: A Clinical and Biochemical Study.

Oral cancer encompasses all malignancies that originate in the oral tissues and remains a major public health problem throughout the world as an important case of poor health and illness. Head and neck cancer accounts for 9.8% of the estimated 6,44,600 incidental cancer cases in India. Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is a serious and developing concern globally, accounting for more than 90% of malignant cancers of the oral cavity. Salivary diagnostics have been demonstrated to have potential in the detection and screening of oral pre-cancer and cancer in a variety of research settings. The continual and close contact between saliva and the mucosa, where cancer develops, is the foundation of this diagnostic capability. This research utilized spectrophotometry to quantify Lactate Dehydrogenase levels in serum and saliva of 30 healthy people which consisted the control group and 31 Oral Potentially Malignant people which constituted the study group. On estimation and comparison, the mean Lactate Dehydrogenase levels in serum (397.4968+71.6392 IU/L) and saliva (675.4935+139.3352 IU/L) among patients with Oral Potentially malignant lesions/conditions were higher than the mean Lactate Dehydrogenase levels in serum (390.8667+71.0953 IU/L) and saliva (201.3700+89.1439 IU/L) among controls. Higher serum and salivary LDH levels in Oral Potentially malignant lesions/conditions than in control groups signifies the importance of assessing salivary LDH levels, in the prognosis of the same. Further prospective longitudinal studies are required to assess the salivary LDH levels among the patients with malignant transformation of Oral Potentially malignant lesions/conditions to oral cancers.

Oral cancer screening in every appointment

Oral cancer screening in every appointment

Investigate how Frequently Dental Professionals Conduct Oral Cancer Screenings During Routine Dental Check-Ups and the Methods they Use

ABSTRACT Background: Oral cancer is a significant global health concern with substantial morbidity and mortality rates. Early detection during routine dental check-ups is crucial for improved patient outcomes. Dental professionals play a pivotal role in conducting oral cancer screenings, but the frequency and methods they employ remain understudied. Aim: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the frequency of oral cancer screenings during routine dental check-ups conducted by dental professionals and the methods they commonly use Materials and Methods: A survey was administered to 500 dental professionals, including dentists and dental hygienists, representing diverse demographics and practice settings. The survey collected data on the frequency of oral cancer screenings and the primary methods employed. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used for data analysis. Results: The study found that 85% of dental professionals conduct oral cancer screenings during routine dental check-ups, with 48% performing them annually and 33% at every visit. Visual inspection (97%) and palpation (83%) were the most commonly used methods, while adjunctive screening tools (45%) were less frequently incorporated Conclusion: Dental professionals are actively engaged in oral cancer screenings during routine dental check-ups, demonstrating a commitment to early detection. Visual inspection and palpation are commonly employed methods, but there is room for improvement in the adoption of adjunctive screening tools.

Invesigate How Cultural and Socioeconomic Factors Influence Oral Cancer Prevention Behaviors, Screening Uptake, and Treatment Outcomes

ABSTRACT Background: Oral cancer is a significant global health issue, with prevention and early detection being pivotal for improved outcomes. This study investigates the impact of cultural and socioeconomic factors on oral cancer prevention behaviors, screening participation, and treatment outcomes Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving a sample size of 1,000 participants. Participants were recruited through stratified sampling to ensure cultural and socioeconomic diversity. Statistical analyses, including logistic regression, were used to explore associations between factors and outcomes. Results: The study revealed multifaceted influences of cultural and socioeconomic factors on oral cancer-related aspects. Cultural factors significantly influenced prevention behaviors, with participants from certain cultural backgrounds exhibiting higher rates of tobacco use and lower rates of dietary adherence). Socioeconomic status played a role in screening uptake, with individuals from lower income brackets less likely to undergo regular screenings Conclusion: Cultural and socioeconomic factors have a substantial influence on oral cancer prevention behaviors, screening participation, and treatment outcomes.

Serum Raman spectroscopy: Evaluation of tumour load variations in experimental carcinogenesis.

Several serum Raman spectroscopy (RS) studies have demonstrated its potential as an oral cancer screening tool. This study investigates influence of low tumour load (LTL) and high tumour load (HTL) on serum RS using hamster buccal pouch model of experimental oral carcinogenesis. Sera of untreated control, LTL, and HTL groups at week intervals during malignant transformation were employed. Serum Raman spectra were subjected to multivariate analyses-principal component analysis, principal component-based linear discriminant analysis (for stratification of study groups), and multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) (to comprehend biomolecular differences). Multivariate analysis revealed misclassifications between LTL and HTL at all week intervals. MCR-ALS components showed statistically significant abundances between control versus LTL and control versus HTL, but could not discern LTL and HTL. MCR-ALS components exhibited spectral mixtures of proteins, lipids, heme and nucleic acids. Thus, these findings support use of serum RS as a screening tool as varying tumour load is not a confounding factor influencing the technique.

“Vaai Ganam” - a screening program for early detection of oral potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer among truck drivers in Chennai – a cross-sectional survey

Introduction: Truck drivers, though forming an integral part of a vital trade link for the Indian population, lack basic life insurance and health care benefits offered by other organized sectors in Indian Industries. This paper aims to present the initial findings of the “VaaiGanam” program which proposes to identify tobacco use and the prevalence of Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) among truck drivers who are stationed or passing via Chennai and provide cessation services by behavioral therapy. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted by a dental screening team who were involved in data collection and screening of the 747 truck drivers who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria between Jan to Oct 2022. After data collection, oral examinations were done and suspicious lesions were sought for expert opinion. A standard punch biopsy was taken from those lesions requiring confirmation. Results: Among the 747 subjects who participated in this program, 704 (94.2%) were current users of various tobacco products, with 235 (31.4%) preferring smoking and the rest 469(62.8%) using smokeless tobacco products. Oral mucosal lesions were recorded in 49 (6.5%) of the study population, mostly among tobacco users. Punch/incisional biopsies were taken among 17 of the 49 subjects and oral dysplasia was histopathologically confirmed in 9 (mild epithelial dysplasia = 5; moderate epithelial dysplasia = 4) subjects. Conclusion: Truck drivers with tobacco and substance abuse are at high risk of developing oral cancer and hence this study emphasizes the importance of periodic oral cancer screening programs for this vulnerable population to identify potentially malignant oral lesions at an early stage.

Recent Trends in Screening of Oral Cancer

Recent Trends in Screening of Oral Cancer

Leveraging Bat Algorithm with Rough Neutrosophic Soft Set for Enhanced Oral Cancer Detection and Classification

Neutrosophic soft sets (NSS) are highly effective in representing neutral uncertain data. NSS model attracts several authors because it has huge range of applications in several areas such as decision-making, data analysis, smoothness of functions, probability theory, measurement theory, predicting, and operations research. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most general tumor around the world and its occurrence is on the increase in several populations. Early diagnosis plays vital role in improving diagnosis, treatment outcomes and survival rates. Although the new developments in understanding molecular mechanisms, late analysis and the implementation of precision medicine for OSCC patients continue to present problems. Early diagnosis and detection can support doctors in offering optimum patient care and effectual treatment. In recent years, the execution of several machine-learning (ML) approaches in cancer analysis has provided valuable insights, facilitating more effective and precise treatment decision-making. Oral Cancer screening can progress with the execution of artificial intelligence (AI) approaches. AI offers support to the oncology region by correctly examining a huge database in many imaging modalities. This article develops a Bat Algorithm with Rough Neutrosophic Soft Set for Oral Cancer Diagnosis (BARNSS-OCD) technique. The main intention of the BARNSS-OCD technique is to exploit deep learning (DL) model for enhanced identification of OC. In the BARNSS-OCD technique, median filtering (MF) is used for image pre-processing and the feature extraction takes place using deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) model. In addition, bat algorithm (BA) is used for the hyperparameter selection of the DCNN model. For OC detection process, the BARNSS-OCD technique applies RNSS model. To exhibit the improved performance of the BARNSS-OCD technique, a sequence of experiments is involved. The simulation outcomes indicate that the BARNSS-OCD technique gains better performance compared to other DL models

Quantum dots: The trailblazers of early detection.

Considering the robust awareness of early detection among oral clinicians and patients the increasing imposition of better methods for screening of oral precancerous/cancerous lesions has become imperative. Although histopathology has been considered the indispensable gold standard, it has its pros and cons, as sometimes the diagnosis is compromised with the variabilities subject to the histopathologist under concern. In the realm of oral healthcare, one pioneering trailblazer is making waves, which are 'quantum dots'. Quantum dots are poised to transform the landscape of oral precancer and cancer screening. These nano-sized semiconductor particles possess extraordinary properties that set them apart from conventional detection methods. Their ability to emit distinct wavelengths of light when excited makes them ideal candidates for early detection. The keywords were pitched in and the research literature from the last 15 years (2008-2022) was extirpated to find out the information that existed, the discrepancies and the void left for upcoming research. Its nature and ingenuity have given rise to a transformative approach that holds the potential to redefine the future of oral healthcare. With each breakthrough, we edge closer to a world where the early detection of oral precancerous/cancerous lesions becomes the norm rather than the exception.

Ag nanoisland functionalized hollow carbon nanofibers as a non-invasive, label-free SERS salivary biosensor platform for salivary nitrite detection for pre-diagnosis of oral cancer.

A highly selective, label-free, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) based sensor platform employing hollow carbon nanofibers functionalized with silver nanoparticles (Ag@HCNFs) has been developed to monitor anomalous concentrations of potential biomarkers, such as salivary nitrite facilitating pre-diagnosis of oral cancer. Co-axial electrospinning was used for the fabrication of the nanofibrous Ag@HCNFs followed by thermal treatment of PAN/PVP core-shell nanofibers and chemical reduction of silver nanoislands. The developed plasmonic Ag@HCNFs was structurally and morphologically characterized using X-Ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, which clearly demonstrated the successful anchoring of silver nanoparticles on hollow carbon nanofibers. The properties of Ag@HCNFs showed significant SERS enhancement of the order of 107 with a detection limit of 10-11 M with R6G, demonstrating its efficacy to investigate real-time salivary samples, particularly towards the detection of salivary nitrite within the clinically relevant range (50 μM-300 μM) towards the pre-diagnosis of oral cancer. The proposed SERS-based salivary platform has the potential to be used as a low-cost, non-invasive pre-diagnostic tool for early diagnosis and mass screening of oral cancer.

A comprehensive FTIR micro-spectroscopic analysis and classification of precancerous human oral tissue aided by machine learning

An FTIR micro-spectroscopic approach was able to reveal biochemical alterations in protein spectra (amide I and III areas) in oral precancerous tissues for oral cancer screening.

Screening for Oral Cancer Using Brush Biopsies and DNA Image Cytometry - A Review

For the prompt cytologic diagnosis of oral cancer, non-invasive brush biopsies play a crucial role. Suspicious lesions in patients can be confirmed for malignancy using Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid Image Cytometry (DNAIC), offering a comprehensive diagnostic approach. The enhanced brush biopsy collects diagnostic material across different layers of the damaged epithelium, providing a non-invasive screening method. Despite the limitation of acquiring cells mainly from the superficial and intermediate layers of oral mucosa, DNAIC-DCNN utilizes Deep Convolutional Neural Network (DCNN) for widespread oral cancer detection. Semantic division is performed through the bottom branches, allowing for targeted medication to modify cancer cell features and inhibit proliferation. Targeted drugs, such as Cetuximab, can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy and radiation treatment for specific patients with oral cancer. The non-invasive and accurate diagnostic capability of DNAIC in conjunction with cytology has demonstrated high precision and accuracy in identifying oral malignant squamous cell transition within epithelial tissues.

An Overview of Infra-red Image Processing Based Oral Cancer Detection Technique

Oral cancer, a prevalent global health concern often diagnosed at advanced stages, demands early and accurate detection for improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. This paper investigates the utility of Infrared Imaging (IR) for early detection of oral cancer, emphasizing its capacity to capture temperature variations associated with pathological changes. Addressing challenges in acquiring IR images from the oral cavity, the study highlights the necessity for precise diagnostic tools. This system uses thermal imaging and machine learning to extract and analyze the temperature data for predictions. With promising results from a rigorous evaluation of 24 subjects, the system demonstrates a sensitivity of 66.67% and specificity of 66.67%, indicating room for improvement. The study underscores the importance of collaborative research and algorithm refinement, utilizing SVM classifiers and Fuzzy logic to enhance the system's diagnostic accuracy and impact on healthcare outcomes. The findings emphasize the critical role of IR technology in revolutionizing oral cancer screening systems, highlighting the need for continued research and collaboration to optimize its practical application.

Prevalence and determinants of tobacco consumption and oral cancer screening among men in India: evidence from a nationally representative cross-sectional Survey

Prevalence and determinants of tobacco consumption and oral cancer screening among men in India: evidence from a nationally representative cross-sectional Survey

Salivary Oxidative Stress Assessment in Tobacco Users with and without Potentially Malignant Disorders and Micronuclei Estimation using Fluorescent Microscopy

Abstract Background: Consumption of tobacco in either smoking or nonsmoking form produces free radicals, contributing to an increased risk of oral cancer as a result of oxidative stress. Biochemical changes in antioxidant enzymes are responsible for tobacco-associated oral carcinogenesis. Due to the production of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress, the promotion of carcinogenesis occurs in the cells. Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) is an assembly of benign lesions with morphologically altered clinical or histopathological tissue that has a greater than normal risk of transforming into malignant lesions after diagnosis at a later date. Micronuclei are the goal site for early genotoxic events and are involved in carcinogenic events. Micronuclei in exfoliated cells are useful biomarkers in assessing cytogenetic damage. Early detection will help to devise appropriate treatment plans, thereby improving patient survival rates. Aim and Objectives: To estimate the salivary superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels and the expression of micronuclei in exfoliated buccal cells of tobacco users before the onset of tobacco-induced oral lesions and correlating the same with patients with OPMDs to determine if this can be useful in predicting early malignant potential in subjects with habitual tobacco usage. Materials and Methods: The study included three groups. Group I – Tobacco users with OPMD (n = 50), Group II – Tobacco users without OPMD (n = 50), and Group III – Healthy controls (n = 50). Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was done for saliva samples for quantification of salivary SOD. Exfoliated buccal cells were smeared and stained with acridine orange stain and viewed under a fluorescent microscope for micronuclei estimation. Results: The study showed a significant difference in salivary SOD levels and increased micronuclei expression among tobacco users than healthy controls. Conclusion: Our study results revealed a gradual and steady decrease of SOD levels and increased micronuclei expression from healthy control to tobacco users without lesions and tobacco users with lesion, and this can be used as an effective noninvasive early diagnostic biomarker in assessing malignant progression in tobacco users. Furthermore, the evaluation of micronuclei estimation can serve as a simple, quick, and noninvasive chair-side procedure for regular oral cancer screening in patients with tobacco usage.

Community-based Screening of Oral Cancer in Selected Districts of Nepal: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Oral cancer screening plays a vital role in the prevention and control of oral cancer. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) in the Nepalese community. A cross-sectional study was conducted in six purposively selected districts in Nepal from May to December 2019. It utilized a camp-based approach, where a standardized questionnaire was administered through face-to-face interviews. Screening of oral cancer was performed by direct visualization and palpation. The study included adults aged 18 years and above, while those already diagnosed with oral cancer were excluded. Logistic regression was used to find out the association between OPMDs and the related variables. A total of 1930 participants with a mean age of 44.3 years (SD=15.1) underwent oral cancer screening. Among them, 32% were current tobacco users, 2% were ex-users, and 11% were alcohol consumers. OPMDs, including suspected cancer, were identified in 139 (7.2%, 95% CI=6.1-8.4) participants. The most common lesion detected was leukoplakia (4.2%), followed by submucous fibrosis (1.5%), erythroplakia (0.9%), and palatal changes due to reverse smoking (0.1%). Additionally, 10 participants were suspected of having oral cancer. Older age group (AOR=7.00; 95% CI=2.76-17.77), male gender (AOR=2.52; 95% CI=1.58-4.02), tobacco chewers (AOR = 14.30; 95% CI=8.82-23.19), and smokers (AOR=4.67; 95% CI=2.88-7.57)) were identified as predictors of OPMDs. This study revealed a high prevalence of OPMDs in Nepal, highlighting the need for oral cancer screening. The findings emphasize the importance of developing strategies to reduce tobacco use and implementing tobacco cessation intervention programs in Nepal to alleviate the burden of oral cancer.

The diagnostic yield of preoperative screening for oral cancer in dogs over 15 years, part 2: distant screening.

Determine diagnostic yield of chest, abdomen, and 4-site screening to diagnose metastatic disease and secondary diseases of prognostic significance in dogs with oral cancer. Medical records from 381 dogs with histologically confirmed oral tumors that underwent preoperative screening were retrospectively reviewed. Thoracic metastasis was diagnosed in 4.9% (0.9% odontogenic, 6.5% nonodontogenic) of oral tumors. Oral malignant melanoma and multilobular osteochondrosarcoma were most at risk. Abdominal metastasis was diagnosed in 2% of oral tumors (0% odontogenic, 3.1% nonodontogenic) and cytologically confirmed in 2 cases (0.6% [2/295)] of all abdominal ultrasounds (AUS) 5.5% [2/36] of all AUS that had cytology). Both cases had oral malignant melanoma. Incidental disease was diagnosed in 53.1% and 81.3% of thoracic and abdominal screenings, respectively. Major findings were more common in AUS (7.8%) compared to thoracic screening (1.9%). The prevalence of incidental findings was similar for odontogenic and nonodontogenic tumors. Both metastasis and major findings were diagnosed more commonly with thoracic CT compared to radiographs. Metastasis or a major finding of prognostic significance was diagnosed in at least 1 test in 27.8% of patients that had head CT, lymph node cytology, thoracic screening, and AUS (n = 115). Major incidental findings were more commonly detected with AUS and were diagnosed in 1 in every 12 patients. However, metastatic disease was most commonly detected with thoracic screening. When all 4 screening tests are performed, there is an approximately 1 in 4 chance of diagnosing metastasis or major significant disease regardless of tumor type.

The diagnostic yield of preoperative screening for oral cancer in dogs over 15 years, part 1: locoregional screening.

Determine locoregional diagnostic yield of 4-site screening (head, neck, chest, and abdomen) to diagnose metastatic disease or clinically significant comorbid diseases in dogs with oral cancer. 381 dogs with histologically confirmed oral tumors. Medical records from 381 dogs with histologically confirmed oral tumors that underwent preoperative screening were retrospectively reviewed. Skull and neck CT scan was performed on 348 patients. Bone lysis was present in 74.4% of tumors. Oral squamous cell carcinoma, sarcomas, and T2-T3 (> 2 cm) tumors had a significantly (P < .05) increased incidence of lysis compared to odontogenic and T1 (< 2 cm) tumors, respectively. Minor incidental findings were present in 60.6% of CT scans. Major incidental findings were found in 4.6% of scans. The risk of diagnosing an incidental finding increased by 10% and 20% per year of age for minor and major findings, respectively. Lymph node metastasis was diagnosed with CT or cytology in 7.5% of cases (10.7% of nonodontogenic tumors, 0% of odontogenic tumors). Oral malignant melanoma, oral squamous cell carcinoma, and T3 tumors had the highest prevalence of metastatic disease at the time of staging. The presence of bone lysis was not associated with cervical metastasis. Major incidental findings were rare (< 5%) but primarily included secondary extraoral tumors. Lymphatic metastasis was diagnosed in 10.7% of nonodontogenic tumors, but cytology was not performed in the majority of cases and often included only a single mandibular node. Therefore, these results likely underestimate the incidence of lymphatic metastasis. Guided lymph node sampling is highly recommended, especially for oral malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and T2-T3 tumors.

Revolutionizing Oral Cancer Screening: New Approaches and Emerging Technologies.

Revolutionizing Oral Cancer Screening: New Approaches and Emerging Technologies.

An attomolar-level electrochemical DNA biosensor based on target-triggered and entropy-driven catalytic amplification integrated with AuNPs@ZIF-8 nanocomposites for oral cancer overexpressed 1 detection

It is of great interest and necessity to develop a nonenzymatic, simple but highly sensitive biosensor for early diagnosis of oral cancer. Present here is an electrochemical DNA biosensor which integrates a target-triggered, entropy-driven, nonenzymatic and isothermal amplification strategy with gold nanoparticles/zeolitic imidazolate frameworks-8 (AuNPs@ZIF-8) nanocomposites for ultra-sensitive detection of oral cancer-related biomarker (ORAOV 1) in saliva. It is worth noting that the nuclease is not involved in the whole reaction process, which is simple and flexible in design only using a series of linear single-stranded DNA, avoiding undesired secondary structure interference. Meanwhile, due to the synergistic effect of AuNPs and ZIF-8, AuNPs@ZIF-8 nanocomposites display high stability, excellent electrical conductivity and exceptional electrocatalytic activity, further enhancing the electrochemical signal and avoiding labeling electrochemical signal probes. Experimental results demonstrate that this electrochemical DNA biosensor has a wide linear range (1 fM ∼1 nM), a low limit of detection (163 aM), excellent specificity, superior reproducibility and stability to ORAOV 1. More importantly, the actual application of the newly developed electrochemical biosensor is exemplified in human saliva with satisfactory recoveries. Therefore, the newly developed electrochemical biosensor has a broad application prospect in the nondestructive and early screening of oral cancer.