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Oral cancer is found in the mouth, lips or throat, and is often highly curable if diagnosed and treated early. Unfortunately, oral cancer can go unnoticed in its early stages. With VELscope, however, oral cancer can be detected earlier. The FDA recently approved VELscope, which is non-invasive and uses a blue light to emphasize any changes in the mouth that a dentist or hygienist cannot normally see. Since oral cancer can affect anyone, without regard to age or gender, it is extremely important to have regular screenings for this deadly disease and VELscope can help. What is VELscope? The VELscope system helps dental professionals visualize abnormalities in the mucosal tissues of your lips, mouth and upper throat. In just two minutes, with no rinses, stains or discomfort, a VELscope examination lets your dentist improve their assessment of your overall oral health. The blue light of VELscope "excites" molecules (fluorophores) deep within the layers of oral mucosal tissues. As a result, fluorophores emit their own light in shades of green, yellow and red. The proprietary filter of the VELscope makes the fluorescence visualization possible by blocking reflected blue light, and by enhancing the contrast between normal and abnormal tissue. One of the VELscope system's most important tasks is to help identify areas that might, if not identified and treated, progress to oral cancer. Oral Cancer Causes and Signs There are numerous risk factors involved in developing cancer with the most typical being smoking. Smokers are up to six times more likely to develop cancer of the mouth and similarly, those who use smokeless tobacco such as snuff are at an even greater risk of developing oral cancer in the lining of the lips and the gums. Alcohol can also increase your risk of developing oral cancer and so can excessive exposure to sunlight at a young age. Additionally, you are at an increased risk of developing cancer if it runs in your family as there is a strong genetic factor involved. Frequently, symptoms include a loss in sensitivity is experienced in your mouth, face or neck and sores appear in similar areas as well. The sores bleed often and remain present for an extended period of time. Oral cancer may often begin with an asymptomatic stage during which symptoms may not be obvious and is often painless initially making it difficult to detect. Signs of Oral Cancer May Include: * Continuous pain in the mouth
* Sores and bumps inside the mouth, including ragged, ulcerous lesions
* Difficulty swallowing and chewing
* Difficulty moving the mouth and jaw
* Soreness in the throat
* Bump in the neck
* Pronounced pain in one ear
* Undiagnosed bleeding from the tongue, gums or cheeks
* Numbness in a specific area of the mouth or jaw These signs do not necessarily signify cancer; but should be taken seriously as they may be a warning sign. Since oral cancer treatment is usually successful when performed in the early stages, any abnormal change in the mouth, gums, tongue or surrounding area should be evaluated by a dental professional immediately. Since symptoms associated with oral cancer may be confused with other medical conditions, self-examinations should not replace seeing a dentist for oral care maintenance at least twice a year. When used in conjunction, periodic self-examination and regular dental hygiene visits can help promote early-stage detection of oral cancer. And remember, it is always best to see your dentist to properly evaluate your symptoms.
Sean Hartmen writes for Montreal dentist, Dr. John Petruccelli. He obtained his Doctorate in Dental Medicine at Tufts University in Boston. Specializing in, but not limited to, services such as Montreal implants, CEREC, velscope testing, and veneers, Dr. Petruccelli provides the best in quality dental care for patients of all ages.
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