Advancements and challenges in oral cancer screening.

Abstract

Oral cancer, particularly oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), remains a persistent and substantial global health burden. This cancer type ranks among the most common malignancies, with high incidence rates observed particularly in South and Southeast Asia and several Southern European countries. Various risk factors, including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and exposure to certain human papillomavirus strains, contribute significantly to the prevalence of OSCC. The urgency for effective early detection and screening is underscored by the fact that oral cancer often presents in advanced stages, leading to lower survival rates and poorer prognoses. Consequently, implementing effective screening strategies is essential to improve early detection, enhance treatment success, and ultimately increase patient survival rates. The aim of the study. Recent technological advancements are providing promising alternatives that may supplement or replace conventional screening methods. Liquid biopsy techniques, which analyze biomarkers present in bodily fluids such as blood or saliva, offer a non- invasive and potentially more accurate screening option for oral cancer. Salivary diagnostics, for instance, can identify specific genetic or proteomic markers linked to OSCC, thereby allowing for the early detection of malignancies without the need for invasive procedures. Additionally, optical detection systems, such as tissue-fluorescence imaging and optical coherence tomography, have demonstrated substantial efficiency in differentiating benign from malignant lesions. These technologies are designed to detect subtle changes in tissue properties and structure, providing a level of detail beyond the reach of traditional visual or manual inspection methods.