VELscope® Oral Cancer Screening: State-of-the-Art Diagnostics
Cancers that affect the head and neck (which includes oral cancers) are the sixth most common kind of cancer diagnosed each year. It’s estimated that more than 30,000 Americans develop oral cancer during the year. Without treatment, many people who develop oral cancer will not survive more than five years after diagnosis. If detected early, however, the five-year survival rate for patients with oral cancer is 83 percent.
This is why oral cancer screening is so important for your general health and wellness. The team here at Malki Dental makes sure to address any lesions or growths in the mouth if they are detected. Our River Edge, NJ practice, in an effort to improve the general health and wellness of our patients, is more than happy to offer VELscope® technology. This state-of-the-art system is a major step forward in early oral cancer diagnosis.
About the VELscope®
VELscope® is an oral cancer detection tool that goes beyond many diagnostic instruments available today. VELscope® uses special fluorescence visualization technology. Fluorescence visualization shines a safe, bright blue light into the mouth. This blue light allows dentists to detect minute lesions and abnormalities in the soft tissues of the mouth.
Problem tissues will appear as a different color than healthy tissue. This simple visual recognition helps dentists determine if additional testing is required to help with early cancer detection.
What to Expect During a VELscope® Screening
During a VELscope® screening, patients will lie back in the dentists chair. The dentist will provide the patient with protective glasses to wear just to ensure the blue light does not affect the patient's eyes in any way. The dentist shines the small handheld instrument into the patient’s mouth and makes observations about the appearance of the soft tissues in the mouth.
That’s all there is to it. The process is easy and pain-free.
How Long Does a VELscope® Screening Take?
VELscope® oral cancer screenings only take about 2 to 3 minutes to perform. A brief, simple check like this can make a lot of difference when it comes to diagnosing dental health issues. Quick and easy yet highly effective, we’re so glad to use VELscope® at our practice to help our patients prevent serious health problems.
How Often Should I Undergo a VELscope® Screening?
Patients should undergo an oral cancer screening during each dental visit. The VELscope® technology can be used every six months to make sure your mouth is healthy and that there are no signs of cancer present.
The Benefits of VELscope® Technology
To sum up the information about, the benefits of VELscope® technology are as follows:
- Fast and simple oral cancer screenings
- Safe and comfortable for patients
- Approved by the FDA
- Easily identifies problem areas
- Excellent for early detection of oral cancers
- Part of a regular dental exam
Contact Malki Dental
To learn more about dental technology innovations and how they can help you experience enhanced dental health and wellness, be sure to contact an experienced dentist. The team at Malki Dental looks forward to your visit and discussing these matters with you in much greater detail.
