What is VELscope?
Oral Cancer Screening in Grimsby using VELscope (Visually Enhanced Lesion Scope). VELscope is an FDA approved technology that can detect oral cancer through the use of visual information. This compact and cordless tool emits blue-spectrum lighting causing the soft tissues of the mouth to fluoresce in distinctive patterns.
Healthy tissue will emit consistent patterns while any oral abnormalities will “disrupt” patterns and appear dark if there had been any trauma or disease. The visual distinction allows dentists to clearly see if there has been any abnormal cell growth in the mouth.
Benefits of VELscope
- Can detect pre-cancer cells
In most cases, less invasive cancer treatments can be avoided if cancer cells are detected early on. Once a tumour has metastasized (spread to other parts of the body) it is harder to treat. VELscope is able to detect pre-cancer cells up to two years before they are visible to the naked eye, identifying oral pre malignant and malignant lesions with ease.
- Visual Aid
In the past, dental professionals would rely solely on questions about your lifestyle or drinking habits, along with their eyes and hands to form a diagnosis about your oral health. Using their fingers, dentists would detect lumps or any irregular swelling in the mouth or throat area. With VELscope, your dentist relies on fluorescence visualization technology to identify any abnormal oral tissue and it can also be purchased with a digital camera system that provides real-time photo documentation for your files and as a takeaway item for clients.
- Time effective
A VELscope examination only last two minutes long and is easy to incorporate as part of your six month checkup or, at the very least, a part of your annual COE (Conventional Oral Exam). Make it a part of your routine dental checkup today!
Did you know that it is possible to get oral cancer:
- If you are young,
- If you never smoked,
- If you are otherwise healthy,
- If no one in your family has cancer.
The VELscope system helps to visualize abnormalities in the mucosa of your lips, cheeks, tongue, floor of mouth and upper throat. In just two minutes, with no rinses or discomfort, a VELscope examination could save your life. How Does the VELscope Work? In short, we shine a special light in your mouth. It’s that easy! What this video from the Dr. OZ show, to see the VELscope at work: If an abnormality is detected, we may refer you to a specialist for observation or removal of the lesion.
Did you know oral cancer is the 13th most common type of cancer in Canada? It’s hard to believe that cancer can form on your lips, tongue, or even a place as innocuous as your tonsils, but it is possible. And fortunately, most of the time this disease can be preventable if it’s caught in the early stages.
While abnormal areas spotted by the VELscope does not necessarily point to oral cancer, it might help in discovering other oral abnormalities so make it a part of your routine dental checkup today!
If you know someone who may benefit from a VELscope screening or have any questions please contact our Grimsby Dental Office to make an appointment by clicking the button below.
