We have incorporated a new technology for oral cancer screening as part of a yearly check up for all of our patients. Although our dentists visually inspect and screen for signs of abnormal tissue inside the mouth, some forms are unfortunately not visible to the naked eye, especially in early detection stages. To help us detect abnormalities and pre-cancerous lesions we have acquired a VELscope.

A VELscope is an early cancer detection device, used in combination with traditional oral cancer examination procedures. The VELsope allows the health care professional to visualize mucosa (tissue inside the mouth) abnormalities. By detecting pre-cancerous lesions early, the VELscope may save thousands of lives, and aggressive treatment modalities later.

Cancer of the mouth is more common than stomach, brain, ovarian and cervical cancers. It is also more common in men than women. VELscope can also detect HPV - human papilloma virus intraoral, which can be contracted through oral sex.

Existing screening protocol usually finds potentially abnormal cells only on the surface. Currently, 2 out of 3 oral cancer cases are only found in the late stages. VELscope shows abnormal tissue below the surface, before they become apparent to the clinician’s eye. This is an amazing tool because oral cancer detected in its early stages can increase the patient’s survival rate by 81%!

The VELscope emits a safe, high energy light which excites the tissues in the oral cavity beneath the visible surface. As the tissue return to normal energy levels it re-emits the absorbed light energy in a form of fluorescence. Special optical filters in the VELscope enable the clinician to view the different patterns emitted by the tissue, it allows the clinicians to differentiate between normal and abnormal cells.

Typically, healthy tissue shows up with a green glow and the abnormal or suspicious tissue emits loss of fluorescence and thus appears dark. The VELscope is also equipped with a camera which records screening results allowing for easy monitoring and comparison of changes in the mouth.

The VELscope uses disposable parts and is safe and easy to use. The screening takes less than 3 minutes and does not require any rinses or stains - making it an easy yet crucial additive to your regular oral health re care appointment.

To learn more about this fascinating new technology please visit VELscope.com or click here to read some fascinating case studies.