ORAL CANCER PREVENTION IN RALEIGH, NC
VELScope Oral Cancer Screening
Oral and throat cancers are a life-threatening condition that requires regular scanning for early detection. There are more than 480,000 new cases of oral and throat cancers diagnosed each year, and over 35,000 of those cases occur just in the United States. On average, one person every hour in the United States dies from oral cancer.
While these statistics alone can be troubling, another particular concern with oral and throat cancers is that without proper detection methods, a person may have cancer and not even realize it. As in other cases of cancer detection and prevention, early detection is essential to increasing a patient’s chances of survival. By diagnosing and treating oral cancer early, a patient’s five-year survival rate improves by between 80-90%. At Earwood Dentistry, we provide VELScope Screenings to ensure you can stay on top of your good health.
Who Is At Risk For Oral Cancer?
According to the American Cancer Society, men face twice the risk of developing oral cancer when compared to women. Men over the age of 50 are particularly susceptible to developing this form of cancer. Aside from these biological risk factors, there are additional conditions or lifestyle factors that can also increase one’s risk of developing it.
ORAL CANCER RISK FACTORS:
While these risk factors can significantly increase the risk of developing oral cancer, it is important to note that even those who do not fit into the above risk factors can still develop and be diagnosed with oral or throat cancer. In fact, over 25% of all oral cancer diagnoses occur in individuals who do not smoke or regularly drink alcohol.
Who Is At Risk For Oral Cancer?
According to the American Cancer Society, men face twice the risk of developing oral cancer when compared to women. Men over the age of 50 are particularly susceptible to developing this form of cancer. Aside from these biological risk factors, there are additional conditions or lifestyle factors that can also increase one’s risk of developing it.
ORAL CANCER RISK FACTORS:
TOBACCO USE
ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
GENETICS & FAMILY HISTORY OF CANCER
EXCESSIVE SUN EXPOSURE
CERTAIN STRANDS OF HPV
While these risk factors can significantly increase the risk of developing oral cancer, it is important to note that even those who do not fit into the above risk factors can still develop and be diagnosed with oral or throat cancer. In fact, over 25% of all oral cancer diagnoses occur in individuals who do not smoke or regularly drink alcohol.
VELSCope Screenings
Oral cancer screenings are quick, simple examinations performed by your dentist to detect early or existing signs of cancer or precancerous conditions within your mouth. This allows our team to identify any sign of cancer early when there is a greater chance of successful treatment and recovery. Most oral cancer screenings can be conducted during your regular dentist appointments and should be performed every few months to ensure any signs of oral or throat cancer are caught as early as possible.
The VELScope oral cancer screening system consists of a specialized blue light source and viewing scope that makes it easier for your doctor to closely inspect the tissues inside your mouth. In this light, healthy tissues will appear to glow a bright green color. Abnormal or precancerous tissues will appear much darker under this light.
It’s important to note that an abnormal screening does not necessarily mean that the patient in question has cancer. If your screening produces abnormal results, your dentist may schedule a second scan at a later time to see if the same abnormalities appear again. A gentle, non-invasive brush biopsy may also be performed to make sure the dark spots are not cancerous or precancerous.
LET’S GET STARTED
If you would like to learn more about VELScope Oral Cancer Screening, or to schedule an appointment, call our office at (919) 847-8413.
