European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), the group of conditions with the risk of malignancy being present in a lesion or condition either at the time of early diagnosis or future date. Oral carcinoma is a major global, health care issue with high morbidity and mortality rates to date. Leukoplakia, Erythroplakia, Palatal lesion associated with reverse smoking, Oral Lichen Planus, Oral Sub Mucous Fibrosis, Actinic Keratosis, Discoid Lupus Erythematosus are other OPMDs. The aetiology varies from exogenous factors such as tobacco and various autoimmune disorders or inherited genetic aberrations. Early detection of the lesion is essential to prevent malignant transformation, and also to improve the chances of the patient’s survival. Though tissue biopsy and histological assessment is the gold standard diagnosis for OPMDs, in recent years, demand for non – invasive adjunctive diagnostic techniques are increasing for early detection. With this in view, the early diagnostic methods were divided into 3 main categories such as vital Staining, light-based detection systems, and optical diagnostic technologies. Among the recent developments in optical imaging systems, the tissue autofluorescence, optical coherence tomography have been proved to be considerably efficient. These techniques have proven valuable for screening and monitoring OPMDs. Awareness should be created in public in employing screening methods that are non-invasive, robust and economic thereby it would enhance early detection of oral cancer which gives a positive impact on patient’s survival. This review explains the sensitivity, specificity and limitations as well as their advantages, disadvantages and clinical applications of these techniques and to identify which one is better advisable and adaptable for all population groups