Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer may appear in different regions of the mouth and throat, with the most common sites being the tongue, tonsils, oropharynx, gums, floor of the mouth, lips, cheek lining, and hard palate. Although anyone can be affected by this condition, men face double the risk compared to women in developing oral cancer. Men aged 50 and above, who are heavy smokers and regular alcohol consumers, are particularly vulnerable. Other risk factors include exposure to UV radiation from the sun or sunlamps, gastro-intestinal reflux disease (GERD), previous radiation treatment to the head and neck, exposure to certain chemicals, and a poor diet. While the mortality rate from oral cancer has declined in recent decades due to early detection and improved treatment methods, there has been a recent upswing in oropharyngeal cancer cases attributed to the transmission of the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV).
It is crucial to be conscious about oral cancer.
While ranking among the top ten most prevalent cancers worldwide, oral cancer has experienced notable advancements in research, prevention, detection, and treatment. These strides have resulted in progressively favorable outcomes for patients. Indeed, when oral cancer is diagnosed in its initial stages, the survival rate exceeds 80%.
Discover the benefits of using the VELscope
Our skilled team can now employ the VELscope® oral cancer screening, offering a straightforward, painless, and thorough approach to examine tissue abnormalities that may signal the existence of oral cancer or premalignant dysplasia. While visual inspection and palpation are valuable for evaluating tissue health and identifying diseases, the use of VELscope technology enables us to pinpoint and observe suspicious lesions that might have been missed through conventional methods.
Enhancing and optimizing the oral cancer screening process for better results.
The VELscope is a portable handheld device specifically engineered for convenience. It exhibits a high sensitivity to any deviations in the natural tissue fluorescence of the oral mucosa. In simpler terms, the vibrant blue light emitted by the VELscope device can distinguish between healthy soft tissue and soft tissue that has undergone pathological changes within the oral cavity. This device is capable of identifying, assessing, and monitoring abnormal soft tissue alterations that might otherwise escape notice. Consequently, the VELscope constitutes a valuable enhancement to the oral cancer screening process.
Cutting-edge technology and reliable care you can rely on
Our objective is to provide exceptional, all-encompassing care that fosters not just beautiful smiles and optimal oral health but also overall well-being. In the course of a patient's routine checkup and dental hygiene appointment, we perform comprehensive oral cancer screenings, employing a VELscope examination to detect any abnormal tissue changes that may suggest oral cancer or other harmful conditions. Moreover, we impart knowledge to patients about the indicators and symptoms of oral cancer, empowering them to monitor their oral health independently at home.