235 St. John Road, Suite 110, Fletcher, NC 28732
What Are Oral Cancer Screenings?
Oral cancer can appear in different parts of the mouth and throat, with the most common areas being the tongue, tonsils, oropharynx, gums, floor of the mouth, lips, cheek lining, and hard palate. Although anyone can be affected by this disease, men have twice the likelihood of developing oral cancer compared to women. Men over 50 who are heavy smokers and frequent 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 poor diet. While the death rate from oral cancer has decreased in recent years due to early detection and improved treatment methods, there has been a recent rise in cases of oropharyngeal cancer caused by the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV).
Oral cancer awareness is crucial
Oral cancer, although ranking among the top ten most prevalent cancers worldwide, has made remarkable strides in research, prevention, detection, and treatment. These advancements have resulted in increasingly favorable outcomes for patients. Remarkably, the survival rate exceeds 80% when oral cancer is detected in its initial stages.
Uncover the Advantages of Utilizing the VELscope
Our team of professionals now has access to the VELscope® oral cancer screening, a painless and efficient method for examining tissue abnormalities that may indicate oral cancer or premalignant dysplasia. While visual inspection and palpation are useful in assessing tissue health and detecting diseases, the VELscope technology enables us to identify and closely monitor suspicious lesions that may have been missed otherwise.
Improving oral cancer screening for better outcomes
The VELscope is a small and portable device that is easy to use. It can detect any unusual changes in the natural tissue fluorescence of the mouth. In simpler words, the bright blue light of the VELscope can tell the difference between healthy tissue and tissue that has changed due to disease. This device can find and keep track of any abnormal changes in the mouth that might not be noticed otherwise. Because of this, the VELscope is a helpful tool for screening for oral cancer.
Trust our reliable care with advanced technology
Our objective is to provide exceptional and all-encompassing care that not only enhances smiles and ensures excellent oral health but also promotes overall well-being. As part of a patient's routine checkup and dental hygiene session, we perform comprehensive oral cancer screenings using advanced VELscope technology. This enables us to detect any abnormal tissue changes that may be indicative of oral cancer or other harmful conditions. Moreover, we educate our patients about the signs and symptoms of oral cancer, empowering them to monitor their oral health in the comfort of their own homes.