While some think oral cancer is rare, mouth cancers will be newly diagnosed in about 132 new individuals each day in the US alone.
If it often presumed that this disease is only caused by tobacco and alcohol use, but this is not the case as at least 25% of people diagnosed have abstained from either substance.
For these reasons, it is important to undergo regular oral cancer screenings. This is not so difficult though, as modern technology allows for dentists to add this procedure to your regular checkup with little time added. Next time you schedule an appointment with HPS Dental, make sure you request to be screened for oral cancer using our VELScope.
What is the VELscope?
The VELscope is the most prevailing tool available in the systemic discovery of oral abnormalities. One of the biggest issues in early oral cancer diagnosis is that the symptoms are similar to those of less serious oral problems. This is why it is important to use the VELscope’s fluorescent visualization technology.
The VELscope is FDA-approved and completely safe for all patients who undergo the screening. It uses a blue excitation lamp to differentiate healthy gums, from those showing signs of precancerous and cancerous cell changes. When cast upon the mouth, the blue light will turn the healthy tissue green, while abnormalities will display much darker.
This allows the VELscope to detect lesions, as well as red and white patches that cannot be seen under white light. The precancerous and cancerous tissue will be exposed and documented with digital photography. If oral cancer is discovered, your chance of survival will increase exponentially. After treatment, a VELscope can be used again to determine the diseased tissue has been eliminated.
What is the Process of a VELscope Scan?
The actual process of a VELscope oral scan is quick, painless, noninvasive procedure and will only take three to five minutes. Before beginning the official exam, the dentist will perform a routine visual examination of the tongue, cheeks, and teeth. A pre-rinse will be given to the patient to ensure cleanliness. The lights of the room are then dimmed and the VELscope is positioned to project blue light into the mouth, making lesions and other symptoms now noticeable to the naked eye. Any indicators detected will result in a biopsy to determine if the patient is suffering from cancer. If they are, dentists and doctors will then study the report to determine the best course of action.
If no issues are detected, the examination should be performed again in one years time.
Schedule a VELscope Scan with a Macomb County Dentist
The VELscope process is not only quick and painless but also entirely necessary for your health. Taking five minutes to examine the tissue could save your life. Please make sure to call HPS Dental today and schedule a VELScope oral cancer screening.
If you are looking for a dentist in the Macomb County area that includes a VELscope scan as part of the dental exam, contact HPS Advanced Dental Care today at: (248) 652-0024.
