Advanced Detection of Oral Cancer
For patients over 40, or those who are at high-risk, we recommend a VELscope oral cancer screening at least every six months. Oral cancer is treatable, but like most cancers, it can become significantly more hazardous if not detected and treated in the earliest stages.
What Is VELscope?
While every preventive dental checkup involves a visual oral cancer test, the VELscope system offers patients more thorough results in oral cancer screening. This allows us to detect the presence of oral cancer earlier than a visual examination would. VELscope employs a special green-spectrum light, which allows abnormalities to stand out clearly by making the soft tissue in the mouth fluorescent.
We can easily observe the presence of lesions or anomalies that might indicate oral cancer early, before they develop into more serious and potentially life threatening situations. The entire process normally takes around two minutes. If your dentist discovers a lesion that is potentially cancerous, he will ask you to return for a follow-up visit. He will then ensure the lesion isn’t the result of abnormal marks, or burns from eating food that was too hot. Once your dentist rules out those possibilities, he may schedule a biopsy for a definitive check for cancer cells.
Are You At Risk?
Common risk factors for oral cancer include:
- Tobacco use
- Heavy alcohol use
- Family history
- Age
- Excessive sun exposure
- And more
During your visit, we’ll address any questions or concerns you may have, and we are available for consultation. Always inform your dentist if you are experiencing a change in the way your teeth fit together, dramatic weight loss, change in your voice, earaches, chronic throat pain, or any other unexplained changes in your oral health.
Detect oral cancer early with VELscope
Early detection is vital to treating oral cancer successfully, which is why we’ve invested in advanced VELscope technology to enhance oral cancer detection. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Syosset Dental today at 516-433-2211 or 516-921-1678. We proudly serve the residents of Syosset, Long Island, Nassau, Suffolk, and all surrounding New York City communities.
