Utilising remote imaging consultation for the early detection of oral cancer: a case series and pilot study.

Purpose: We have been offering 'remote imaging consultations' to local dental clinics via a mail-form service as diagnostic support for oral diseases. In this report, we present three cases in which oral cancer was detected and treated at an early stage through this project, along with associated statistical data.

Methods: Between July 2017 and December 2022, local dental clinics submitted image consultation requests through a dedicated website. Two oral and maxillofacial surgeons reviewed the findings and provided reports via e-mail.

Results: Of the 38 registered clinics, 15 (39.5%) utilised the service, and 114 consultations were conducted (49 men and 65 women). Post-diagnostic testing showed that the provisional diagnosis corresponded with the actual diagnosis in 28 patients (53.8%). Malignancy was suspected in 13 patients, of whom three (23.1%) - two cases of tongue cancer and one case of buccal mucosa cancer - were confirmed to have malignant tumours. A questionnaire sent to the dentists who used this service revealed that 71.4% were 'very satisfied' with the system.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that remote imaging consultations may be beneficial for the early detection and treatment of oral cancer.