AI Web Tool to Prevent Oral Cancer in Nigeria

Knowledge exchange team led by Professor Richard Su, Division Head and Clinical Professor in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) initiates a project with the objective to detect oral cancer at early stages in Nigeria by using artificial intelligence (AI)-based web tool among dentists and patients, as well as to promote oral cancer prevention.

In 2021, the research team developed and launched an AI-based web tool to predict oral cancer risk among patients that have white patches clinically known as oral leukoplakia (OL) and oral lichenoid mucositis (OLM). These conditions have an inherent disposition to develop oral cancer. The intelligent platform has the potential to improve the selection of patients for surgical excision and close monitoring as well as encourage better secondary prevention and early diagnosis of oral cancer.

The web tool with clinical and pathological features are believed to be easily obtained even in resource-limited settings to encourage consensus application in dental practice. In Nigeria, there are not enough specialists to properly manage and follow up with patients with OL and OLM. As such, many patients are seen by general dental practitioners that may have limited experience in determining which OL or OLM disease is likely to develop oral cancer and which OL or OLM disease will require surgery and close follow-up.