Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer can manifest in various regions of the mouth and throat, with common locations including the tongue, tonsils, oropharynx, gums, floor of the mouth, lips, cheek lining, and hard palate. While oral cancer can affect anyone, men face a higher risk, being twice as likely as women to develop this disease. Men over the age of 50 who are heavy smokers and frequent consumers of alcohol are particularly vulnerable. Other risk factors encompass 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 an unhealthy diet. Although the death rate from oral cancer has decreased in recent decades due to early detection and improved treatment methods, there has been a recent increase in oropharyngeal cancer cases attributed to the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV).
It is crucial to be conscious about oral cancer.
While ranking among the top ten most common cancers worldwide, oral cancer has witnessed notable progress in research, prevention, detection, and treatment. These advancements have resulted in increasingly favorable outcomes for patients. Remarkably, when oral cancer is detected at its earliest stages, the survival rate exceeds 80%.
Discover the benefits of using the VELscope
Our skilled team now incorporates the VELscope® oral cancer screening, offering a straightforward, painless, and thorough approach to examining tissue abnormalities that may suggest the presence of oral cancer or premalignant dysplasia. While visual inspection and palpation are valuable for assessing tissue health and detecting diseases, the implementation of VELscope technology enables us to identify and observe suspicious lesions that might have gone unnoticed through conventional methods.
Enhancing and optimizing the oral cancer screening process for better results.
The VELscope is a portable handheld device designed for convenience. It exhibits high sensitivity to any abnormal changes in the natural tissue fluorescence of the oral mucosa. Put simply, the bright blue light emitted by the VELscope device can distinguish between healthy soft tissue and soft tissue that has undergone pathological changes within the mouth. This device is capable of identifying, evaluating, and monitoring abnormal soft tissue changes that might otherwise go unnoticed. Consequently, the VELscope proves to be 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 not only ensures beautiful smiles and optimal oral health but also contributes to overall well-being. In the course of a patient's routine checkup and dental hygiene appointment, we perform comprehensive oral cancer screenings, incorporating a VELscope examination to detect any suspicious tissue changes that may signal oral cancer or other harmful conditions. Furthermore, we actively engage in patient education, equipping individuals with knowledge about the signs and symptoms of oral cancer, empowering them to monitor their oral health effectively at home.