The global annual incidence of cancer is 275,000 cases per year. In Morocco, the figures are very alarming, with 3,500 cases per year, 8% of which are located in the oral cavity. The major problem posed by these conditions is related to late detection, which subjects the patient to extensive, lengthy treatment and a survival rate generally less than 5 years.

The aim of our study is to evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of a combination of two techniques for the early detection of epithelial dysplasias: liquid-based cytology and the Velscope.

Materials and Methods:

This was a diagnostic study. The study sample consisted of 100 patients. Each patient underwent a clinical examination and a Velscope examination. A brush for automated cytological study was performed on areas that were Velscope-positive, and a biopsy was taken from the same site. This allowed for a comparison of the reliability of this technique with that of biopsy by evaluating its sensitivity and specificity.

Results:

Statistical tests showed a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 53%.

Conclusion:

Biopsy remains the gold standard for histopathological examination. The study of the reliability of this technique showed promising results, warranting further studies with larger sample sizes.

Farouk Mohammed obtained his national specialty diploma in oral surgery in 2017; he then became a professor of preventive dentistry in 2024. His areas of expertise include oral surgery ; pediatric oral surgery  and oral cancer prevention