Screening for oral mucosal diseases by a portable spectrophotometer: Comparison between color difference and epithelial thickness

IntroductionThe most important aspect in diagnosing oral mucosal disease is recognizing “color change” in the mucous membrane. This study was conducted to assess usability of a portable spectrophotometer for screening for oral mucosal diseases.MethodsThe subjects were 22 patients with 25 white lesions of the oral mucosa. The colors of the normal and abnormal parts of the oral mucosa were measured from each patient using a portable spectrophotometer. The color differences were analyzed by a color data software. 13 of the 22 patients were examined pathologically, then epithelial thickness and measurements were compared. 4 of the 22 subjects were examined at their routine checkup using a spectrophotometer.ResultsΔL* between normal oral mucosa and white lesion showed positive values in 18 lesions, Δa* negative values in 23 lesions, and Δb* negative values in 21 lesions of the 25 lesions. The spectral reflectance of white lesion increased at 450 nm in 19 lesions, increased at 550 nm in 18 lesions, and decreased at 650 nm in 18 lesions of the 25 lesions. A weak positive correlation between epithelial thickness and ΔL*, a negative correlation between epithelial thickness and Δa*, a weak negative correlation between epithelial thickness and Δb*, and a positive correlation between epithelial thickness and ΔE*ab were observed. The spectrophotometer could measure a slight color change of a white lesion unrecognizable to the human eyes during the follow-up duration.ConclusionThe portable spectrophotometer may be used as a helpful instrument for dentists in treating oral mucosal diseases.