As part of your routine dental checkup, your doctor will be sure to conduct a thorough screening for oral cancer. You may be aware that although cancer is a deadly disease, early detection is proven to greatly increase the rate of survival.
In previous times, it could be almost impossible to diagnose oral cancers that were hidden in the deep inside regions of the mouth. Unfortunately, this meant that this disease was often detected in later stages.
However, increasing technology has changed this. At the Yuba City Dentistry Group, we use a device called VELscope that has greatly increased the effectiveness of oral cancer screenings.
How It Works
The VELscope is a wireless, handheld scope that uses natural tissue fluorescence to enhance abnormalities that your doctor might normally miss, or that aren’t even visible to the naked eye.
The VELscope is recognized by the World Health Organization as an adjunctive device, which means that it should be used together with a traditional head and neck exam. Additionally, the VELscope exam can be completed in just two minutes, making it as convenient as it is effective.
Additional Benefits
In addition to helping your doctor identify signs of oral cancer, the VELscope can also assist in finding other types of viral, bacterial, or fungal infections. Your doctor may also use the device to help discover the cause(s) of oral inflammation, or to locate salivary gland tumors.
At the Yuba City Dentistry Group, we are happy to demonstrate use of the VELscope Oral Assessment System at your next dental examination. Be assured that with our expertise and this proven technology, you will have the best chance possible at early detection of any serious oral disease.
