Beyond traditional methods-artificial intelligence in detection of oral cancer using smartphone-based oral photographs: a systematic review

Authors

  • Nithishwaran Karunakaran Department of Public Health Dentistry, Ragas Dental College and Hospital, Uthandi Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Kumara Raja Balasubramanian Department of Public Health Dentistry, Ragas Dental College and Hospital, Uthandi Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Madan Kumar Parangimalai Diwakar Department of Public Health Dentistry, Ragas Dental College and Hospital, Uthandi Chennai, Tamil Nadu,

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20252489

Keywords:

Artificial intelligence, Deep learning, Machine learning, Mobile phones, Mobile-based images, Oral cancer detection

Abstract

Oral cancer is a significant global health concern that affects people of various age groups worldwide. According to Globo Can, reports from 2022 show that approximately 377,713 new cases and 177,757 deaths are reported each year worldwide. Smartphones and Artificial intelligence (AI) are increasing in healthcare for diagnosis and treatment planning. This systematic review aims to appraise the existing evidence on the effectiveness of various artificial intelligence algorithms in the detection of oral cancer based on smartphone-based oral photographs from previously published articles. A systematic electronic search was carried out through various databases that emphasize current studies on the detection or diagnosis of oral cancer using different artificial intelligence algorithms. A modified Newcastle Ottawa scale was used to evaluate the quality of the included research and the PROBAST (Prediction model Risk of Bias Assessment tool) was used to assess the risk of bias. Among 13 articles, 8 show good quality and 5 fair qualities, mostly at low bias risk. Machine learning (support vector machines) sensitivity and specificity range from 89% to 92% and 75% to 82%; deep learning (MobileNet v2, ResNet) ranges from 85.12% to 90.23% and 87.64% to 90%. The diagnostic effectiveness of artificial intelligence models differs among machine learning and deep learning techniques. According to these results, machine learning has demonstrated encouraging outcomes in identifying oral cancer. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of smartphone photographic images in detecting oral cancer.

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References

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Published

2025-07-31

How to Cite

Karunakaran, N., Balasubramanian, K. R., & Diwakar, M. K. P. (2025). Beyond traditional methods-artificial intelligence in detection of oral cancer using smartphone-based oral photographs: a systematic review. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 12(8), 3744–3753. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20252489

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Section

Systematic Reviews