Abstract

Introduction: Oral cancer, the sixteenth most common cancer worldwide, presents a significant health burden, particularly in regions like South Asia and Europe, due to risk factors such as tobacco use, betel quid, and alcohol consumption. VELscope, a diagnostic device, aids in early detection by identifying abnormal fluorescence in oral tissues. This scoping review will evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of VELscope in detecting oral premalignant and malignant lesions, identify research gaps, and provide insights into its utility in clinical practice.The objective of this scoping review is to comprehensively assess the available evidence regarding the clinical and cost-effectiveness of VELscope for detecting oral premalignant lesions, and oral cancer. Method & Analysis: Adhering to JBI Scoping Review Methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we will systematically map evidence from peer-reviewed studies in English published until January 2025. Key outcomes include diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity) and cost-effectiveness. Databases such as MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane will be searched, with screening and data extraction conducted independently by two reviewers by using appropriate software (e.g. Rayyan and Microsoft Excel). Findings will be synthesized using tables, figures, and a PRISMA flow diagram to highlight gaps and inform future research and clinical practice. Ethics and Dissemination: This scoping review does not involve primary data collection; therefore, ethics approval is not required. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, presentations at national and international conferences, and workshops aimed at healthcare professionals and policymakers. Keywords: diagnostic effectiveness, oral cancer, oral premalignant lesions, VELscope.