India, July 11 -- A non-invasive brush biopsy test can detect oral cancer within an hour and could help prevent more than 90% of unnecessary invasive scalpel biopsies, according to a new study.

The paper, published in Biomarker Research, a Nature Portfolio journal, was authored by a cross-university team led by researchers at Queen Mary University of London.

The test could potentially revolutionise oral cancer detection by offering a rapid and non-invasive alternative to conventional scalpel biopsies. Such procedures can be painful, carry a risk of infection and, in some areas of the mouth such as the gums, can be difficult to perform and may damage underlying tooth or bone structures.

Oral cancer is a growing global health threat. Acc...