Whole-Slide Imaging (WSI) Versus Traditional Microscopy (TM) Through Evaluation of Parameters in Oral Histopathology: A Pilot Study.

Background: histopathology plays a pivotal role in clinical diagnosis, research, and medical education. In recent years, whole slide imaging (wsi) has emerged as a potential alternative to traditional microscopy for pathological examination. This study aims to provide a comprehensive comparison of wsi and traditional microscopy(tm) in various aspects of histopathology practice. Materials and Methods: In this study, total of 30 cases comprising of oral premalignant and malignant cases which were diagnostically challenging was considered from the archives of the institute for validation. The slides were scanned with slide scanner and were evaluated by histopathologists. The comparative parameters which were noted were diagnostic discordances, number of fields observed to reach the diagnosis and time taken. Results: The mean time taken by the pathologists to reach the diagnosis was significantly less in whole slide imaging technique. The average number of fields observed was higher by using wsi that too in a lesser time compared to tm, the results were found to be statistically significant with p=0.001.however the diagnostic disparity were seen to be maximum for verrucous lesions both in wsi and tm. Conclusion: wsi has facilitated the specialty with rapid mode of diagnosis in a more efficient and error less manner. It has also aided in case banking as well as research possibilities. Hence with the advent of telepathology it is very much necessary to get trained with wsi as early as possible so that the professionals can render correct diagnosis.

Real Scenario of Oral Cancer Awareness Sessions-A Narrative Viewpoint.

Oral cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer seen in Southeast Asia. Tobacco, betel nut, and slaked lime are the important constituents of betel quid; this is regularly consumed by the youth and elderly as their regular practice. To curb this oral cancer menace, there are numerous policies and pathways, which are adopted by government, local authorities, and institutions. Among the various policies, one of the easiest ways to reach out to masses is in form of screening camps and sessions. Oral cancer screening forms the most vital part of any dental check-up camps. Due to ignorance or lack of adequate knowledge about the deadly results of cancer, people often neglect these screening camps. This may attribute to various reasons that lead to such ignorance and failure of such free screening sessions.