Journal of oral biology and craniofacial research
Mucoscopic features of oral potentially malignant disorders and oral squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review
By Surboyo MDC, Sarasati A, Chessa MA and 4 others.
Abstract
Objective
Early detection of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and their progression to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains challenging due to subtle clinical presentation. Mucoscopy, a non-invasive extension of dermoscopy for oral mucosa, allows real-time visualization of vascular and surface patterns, but its diagnostic features are not well established.
Methods
This systematic review aimed to synthesize mucoscopic features of healthy oral mucosa, OPMDs, and OSCC. The review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251007205). PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect were searched up to January 2026. Eligible studies reported mucoscopic or dermoscopic findings in human OPMDs or OSCC. Studies of healthy oral mucosa were included as a reference for comparison. Data on vascular morphology, surface architecture, and color patterns were qualitatively analyzed.