Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Oral Cancer: A Scoping Review

TL;DR

This review summarizes how cone beam computed tomography is used in managing oral cancer, focusing on its roles in radiotherapy, bone assessment, surgery, and complication monitoring.

Contribution

The study systematically categorizes current CBCT applications in oral cancer management, highlighting emerging uses and research gaps.

Findings

CBCT is most commonly used for radiotherapy planning and monitoring in oral cancer.

Bone invasion assessment is another major application of CBCT in this context.

Emerging uses include intraoperative guidance and evaluating treatment complications.

Abstract

Objectives: The present scoping review aims to explore and provide an overview of the current applications of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the management of oral cancer. Methods: This study was conducted in accordance with the JBI Guidance for Scoping Reviews and reported following the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). A systematic search was performed across the following databases: PubMed, OVID, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library to answer the research question: “What are the current applications of CBCT in the perioperative management of patients with oral cancer?”. Results: A total of 52 studies met the inclusion criteria. Four major areas of CBCT application in oral cancer were identified: radiotherapy planning and monitoring (25 studies), assessment of bone invasion (16 studies), intraoperative surgical guidance (6 studies), and evaluation of treatment-related complications (5 studies). These findings highlight the diverse but focused use of CBCT across different stages of oral cancer management. Conclusions: CBCT is increasingly utilized in the perioperative management of oral cancer, with its application in radiotherapy planning and assessment being the most well-established. However, other uses, such as for surgical navigation and complication assessment, are still emerging, with promising evidence. Further research is needed to expand and validate these applications.

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