Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer can appear in various regions of the mouth and throat, with the tongue, tonsils, oropharynx, gums, floor of the mouth, lips, cheek lining, and hard palate being the most common sites. Although this disease can affect anyone, men are twice as likely as women to develop oral cancer. 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), prior radiation treatment to the head and neck, exposure to specific chemicals, and an inadequate diet. Despite a decline in the mortality rate from oral cancer in recent decades due to improved early detection and treatment methods, there has been a recent upsurge 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 oral cancer ranks among the top ten most prevalent cancers worldwide, substantial strides have been made in research, prevention, detection, and treatment. These developments have resulted in more favorable outcomes for patients. Notably, 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 examining tissue abnormalities that may signal the presence of oral cancer or premalignant dysplasia. While visual inspection and palpation are valuable in evaluating tissue health and identifying diseases, VELscope technology enables us to pinpoint and monitor 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 designed for convenience. It possesses high sensitivity to detect any abnormal changes in the natural tissue fluorescence of the oral mucosa. In more straightforward terms, the bright blue light emitted by the VELscope can distinguish between healthy soft tissue and soft tissue that has undergone pathological changes within the mouth. This device is capable of identifying, assessing, and monitoring abnormal soft tissue changes that might escape notice through other means. Consequently, the VELscope constitutes a valuable enhancement to the oral cancer screening process.
Cutting-edge technology and reliable care you can rely on
Our aim is to provide exceptional, all-encompassing care that not only enhances smiles and ensures 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 suggest oral cancer or other harmful conditions. Furthermore, we educate patients about the signs and symptoms of oral cancer, empowering them to monitor their oral health independently at home.