Evaluation of Usage of Different Diagnostic Aids for Oral Cancer by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: An Original Research

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess how oral and maxillofacial surgeons used various diagnostic tools for oral cancer.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional methodology was used, and a standardized questionnaire was given to oral and maxillofacial surgeons randomly chosen sample. The questionnaire gathered information on demographics and the use of diagnostic tools. Data analysis methods included Chi-square testing and descriptive statistics.

Results: The study included 200 oral and maxillofacial surgeons in total. The most often used diagnostic tool (95%) was visual inspection, followed by toluidine blue staining (48%) and brush biopsy (32%). Less frequently used were newer methods like optical coherence tomography (12.5%) and autofluorescence imaging (15%). No significant correlations between demographic factors and patterns of use of diagnostic tools were found by Chi-square tests.

Conclusion: The results show that oral and maxillofacial surgeons frequently use brush biopsy, toluidine blue staining, and ocular evaluation. However, there is a need for more widespread adoption of cutting-edge technologies. By removing obstacles and offering training opportunities, one can increase the use of diagnostic tools, improving patient outcomes and the diagnosis of oral cancer.

Keywords: Autofluorescence imaging; brush biopsy; diagnostic aids; toluidine blue staining; visual inspection.