Research Square · Oct 18, 2026
Application of Bioimpedance in Community Screening and Early Detection of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders
By Kaushiki R, Alka H, Archana S et al.
Background Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) represents a significant global disease burden, particularly in India. OSCC is frequently preceded by oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) such as leukoplakia, erythroplakia, oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), and oral lichen planus (OLP). Early detection of OPMDs via non-invasive point-of-care bioimpedance analysis can prevent malignant transformation and significantly reduce mortality. Methods A prospective case-control community screening study evaluated 85 participants divided into study groups (n = 55; Leukoplakia = 15; Erythroplakia = 10; OSMF = 15; OLP = 15) age/sex- matched healthy controls (n = 30). Electrical bioimpedance parameters – phase angle (\(\:ፀ\)), imaginary part of impedance ( X ), real part of impedance ( R ), and total impedance ( Z )-- where measured at 15Hz and 45kHz using a precision AD5934 impedance analyzer with a tetrapolar surface electrode probe. Histopathological correlation (dysplasia vs. non-dysplasia) was conducted post-biopsy. Data were analyzed using independent Stutend’s t-test and one-way ANOVA. Results Bioimpedance measurements revealed significant reduction in total impedance ( Z ) and real part of impedance ( R ) across all OPMD groups compared to controls at both 15Hz and 45kHz (p < 0.05). Dysplastic tissue exhibited markedly lower phase angles ( -10.30 Ω vs. -15.40 Ω at 15Hz; -45.43 Ω vs. -60.99 Ω at 45kHz) and reduced total impedance 9 10,096 Ω vs. 13,490 Ω at 15Hz) compared to healthy control tissues. Conclusion Multi-frequency Bioimpedance spectroscopy effectively differentiates normal oral mucosa from OPMDs and dysplastic tissues. It serves as a rapid, reliable, objective and non-invasive decision support tool for community-based screening.