The aim of study is to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of using mobile phone photographs versus conventional clinical examination as a screening tool for early detection of oral cancer.
Tele-dentistry is a method of providing oral healthcare and dental services through real-time transmission of clinical information using electronic medical records, digital imaging, photography, ICT, and the internet. Oral medicine is a dental specialty that uses tele-dentistry services to manage patients with systemic diseases and comorbidities. However, some oral disorders may have systemic consequences, necessitating additional diagnostic techniques and skilled doctors. Issues such as lack of oral medicine specialists, inexperienced community health workers, and inadequate training for managing complex oral conditions also pose challenges. Delayed diagnosis of oral cancers in underserved communities, poor patient management, high transportation costs, and lengthy waiting lists are some of the challenges faced by patients. The COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated these issues, causing disruptions in educational programs and access to oral medicine services. Tele-dentistry can facilitate efficient communication between patients and healthcare professionals for various purposes. There is limited research on using tele-dentistry in oral medicine, especially for results like accuracy. Consequently, the present study is designed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of using mobile phone images versus conventional clinical examination as a screening tool for early detection of oral cancer.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
174
The photographs will be taken with a smartphone iPhone 14 Pro in a one-year period. Imaging will follow the recommendations regarding intraoral photography in oral mucosal screening set by (Lin et al., 2021). Personal data and a brief description of the present illness concerning the main complaint will be informed by the patients and recorded in a diagnosis chart of the Oral medicine department Cairo University. Complete intraoral physical examination will be performed by the main investigator under supervision of the main supervisor and the co-supervisor using dental equipment with artificial light.
Categorization of oral mucosal lesions
to categorize the oral lesions into: 1. Normal variance 2. Reactive or inflammatory lesions 3. Potentially malignant lesions 4. Oral cancer
Time frame: one year
Referral decision
when to take a decision of referral to a specialist
Time frame: one year
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