Demystifying oral squamous cell carcinoma with nanotechnology

Abstract

Nanodentistry in the form of nanomaterials, nanodiagnostics, nanorobots and nanoparticles has the potential to revolutionize oral cancer diagnosis and treatment. Oral cancer claims approximately 40% of cancer cases, of which the majority belong to Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC).  Early diagnosis of OSCC is of utmost importance due to the high mortality rate of the disease when detected at a later stage wherein nanodiagnostics contribute significantly towards improved diagnosis which is rapid and has greater sensitivity. The drawbacks of the conventional treatment modalities such as the inability of targeted destruction of cancerous cell have the potential to be overcome with nanotechnology in the form of nanoparticles and drug carrier systems. The aim of this review is to explore and discuss up-to-date literature of OSCC diagnosis and effective treatment.