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The FDA and Health Canada recently cleared the VELscope System for assisting dentists and hygienists in discovering cancerous or precancerous growths that may not be apparent to the naked eye. A screening with the VELscope system adds only one or two minutes to a conventional examination, and is completely free of any pain or discomfort. Oral cancer is typically discovered in the late stages, when the five-year survival rate is only 22%.If oral cancer is detected in its early stages, the five year survival rate is 80% or higher. The VELscope System can also help to discover abnormal growths before they become cancerous. Using the VELscope System, your green dentist in San Mateo will be able to identify symptoms or issues that might not have been seen previously. Your dentist will be able to successfully detect potential problems earlier, providing the best health care possible and preventing dangerous oral cancer. The VELscope System The VELscope System is the most powerful tool available for assisting in the discovery of oral abnormalities. The distinctive blue-spectrum light causes the soft tissues of the mouth to naturally fluoresce. Healthy tissues appear in distinctive patterns that are visibly disrupted by trauma or disease. Using the VELscope, a wide variety of oral abnormalities can be discovered, often before they are visible to the unassisted eye. Discovering soft tissue abnormalities is important in the fight against oral cancer. Since VELscope assists in early detection, cancer can be caught before it has time to spread, which potentially saves lives through less invasive, and more effective treatment. VELscope helps dental professionals find a wide variety of soft-tissue abnormalities, allowing practices to aspire to an advanced level of patient care. The VELscope System is completely safe, easy to use, does not include unpleasant rinses or stains, and the entire exam only takes about two minutes. What is Oral Cancer? Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 28,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed annually. Oral cancer may occur on the mouth, lips, tongue, gums, salivary glands, and throat. It is important to take every precaution available to avoid oral cancer. There are numerous risk factors that can contribute to oral cancer with the most prevalent 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. 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. In addition, with the use of VELscope your dentist in San Mateo will be able to successfully monitor and examine your mouth for early signs of oral cancer, preventing any further development of systems.
Dr. Pascal is a leading green dentist in San Mateo. Offering a full array of services including CEREC, implants, and Invisalign, Dr. Pascal, cosmetic dentist in San Mateo, and his professional staff are qualified to handle every dental need for patients of every age.
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