Oral cancer isn’t talked about very often, but it actually claims at least one life each and every hour here in the United States. This is particularly tragic because it has about an 85% survival rate when treated during its initial stages, which is why early detection is the most important part of fighting the disease. That is why, at Galleria Dentistry, we feel it is our obligation to offer an oral cancer screening using VELScope technology. It only takes a few minutes, but it could literally be the few minutes that saves your life.
While getting twice yearly oral cancer screenings is a great way to keep yourself safe, be sure to contact us if you notice any of the following symptoms between appointments:
If you spot any of these symptoms, come see us, and we’ll perform an exam. If we see anything that causes concern, we can arrange for you to have a biopsy done so you can get a proper diagnosis.
When your dentist performs an oral cancer screening, they will be examining your lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, throat, neck, and face for any signs of cancerous or precancerous tissues. In the past, this exam was simply done with the naked eye, but thanks to VELScope technology, your doctor can now spot even the slightest signs of the disease even sooner.
The VELScope system involves the use of a special fluorescent blue light. When pointed at healthy oral tissue, the light will react in a certain way which can be easily seen by your dentist. However, cancerous tissues will stand out because they reflect the light differently. This is extremely useful because it enables our team to spot problem areas before they can even be seen with the naked eye. That way, we can get you treatment even sooner and make sure you stay protected.
To learn more about oral cancer, how to detect it at home, and how we can help with regular oral cancer screenings, contact us today.
