An overview of conventional and fluorescence spectroscopy tools in oral cancer diagnosis

Background: Oral cancer is a major public health challenge, along with other common diseases worldwide. Risk factors like tobacco usage and alcohol consumption have contributed towards the rise in the development of oral cancer cases. The low survival rate of oral cancer creates a necessity for early detection. At present, clinical examination followed by biopsy and histopathological-based assessment is considered the gold standard in the early diagnosis of oral cancer. However, it also holds drawbacks like invasiveness and time consumption in confirming a diagnosis, which have raised the need for other non-invasive diagnostic techniques. Spectroscopic techniques used as diagnostic tools are to collect the spectral signatures generated by endogenous fluorophore molecules in abnormal and healthy tissues upon excitation with a suitable wavelength. Objective: The present review aimed to highlightthe potential application of non-invasive spectroscopic tools such as fluorescence spectroscopy in oral cancer detection and diagnosis and with a brief standpoint of the conventional techniques used in oral cancer diagnosis. Conclusion: The review emphasizes the potentiality of spectroscopic techniques to replace conventional diagnostic procedures, given their minimally invasive or non-invasive approach, cost-effective nature, and ability to provide a diagnosis in real time.