INNOVATIONS IN EARLY DETECTION OF ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL CANCERS: A SCOPING REVIEW OF ADVANCED DIAGNOSTIC APPROACHES

Background: Early detection of oral and maxillofacial cancers substantially improves patient outcomes and reduces treatment-related morbidity. Despite conventional methods such as visual examination and biopsy, late-stage diagnosis remains prevalent, emphasizing the need for advanced diagnostic strategies.

Objective: This scoping review synthesizes current evidence on innovative diagnostic approaches for oral and maxillofacial malignancies, highlighting methods that enhance early detection, diagnostic accuracy, and clinical decision-making. 

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. Studies reporting on imaging modalities, molecular diagnostics, light-based detection systems, salivary biomarkers, digital pathology, and artificial intelligence (AI) in oral and maxillofacial cancer diagnosis were included. Data were extracted on diagnostic performance, clinical utility, andlimitations. 

Results: A total of 214 articles were identified, with 110 studies of high methodological quality selected for synthesis. Advanced imaging modalities—including MRI, CBCT, PET/CT, and ultrasonography—provide detailed anatomical and functional assessment. Non-invasive approaches, such as salivary biomarkers, chemiluminescence, autofluorescence spectroscopy, and confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE), improve early lesion detection. AI and digital pathology enhance predictive diagnostics, histopathological interpretation, and workflow efficiency. These emerging technologies demonstrate promise in overcoming limitations of traditional methods, though standardization, accessibility, and clinical validation remain challenges. 

Conclusion: Integrating advanced imaging, molecular diagnostics, light-based detection, salivary biomarkers, and AI-assisted analysis represents a paradigm shift in early diagnosis of oral and maxillofacial cancers. These innovations have the potential to reduce diagnostic delays, optimize treatment planning, and improve patient outcomes. The clinical and economic significance of timely diagnosis underscores the importance of adopting comprehensive, stateof-the-art diagnostic strategies.