ORAL CANCER SCREENING (VELSCOPE TECHNOLOGY)
Oral Cancer Screening (Velscope Technology)
Your mouth can hide a secret...thats why we use Velscope technology.
Our dental office is proud to provide a high level of care for our patients. That's why we use a laser light utilizing Velscope technology
to help us identify oral disease early, while it's still easy to treat. How many little sores do we find in our mouths? Dozens? Most of the time we ignore them and they simply go away. But sometimes our mouths keep secrets. Dr. Christine Grant
and her hygienist are highly trained in the early detection of oral cancer and oral disease. We perform an annual oral cancer screening test to identify areas that might, if not treated, progress to oral cancer. In addition to performing a detailed visual exam, which includes palpation of oral tissues, we will scan your tissues with the Velscope laser unit. This advanced technology helps us improve our assessment of your overall oral health. It helps us ensure that the delicate tissues of your mouth are healthy and it protects you form oral disease, including oral cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
- Velvety white patches in the mouth
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- Swelling, lumps, bumps, spots, in or around the mouth and/or lips
- Numbness without explanation in the mouth or neck area
- Sores on the neck, face, or mouth that hurt and bleed, but don't heal
- The feeling that something is stuck in your throat that doesn't go away
- Ear pain
- Sore throat that becomes chronic
- Sudden weight loss
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Risk Factors
Tobacco and chewing tobacco, along with alcohol, are the leading causes of oral cancer. Over the last four decades, the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), known for its role in cervical cancer, has an increased incidence in oral cancers too.
Oral Cancer Statistics:
- Found early, oral cancer's 5 year survival rate is good: approximately 83%
- Found late, oral cancer's 5 year survival rate is poor: approximately 32%
- Clearly, finding oral cancer in its early stages is key to survival
Dentists Saving Lives: The Two Minute Exam That Could Save Your Life
Dr. Grant's oral cancer screening exam is quick, painless and very effective. She uses the most powerful tool available- the Velscope for assisting in the discovery of oral abnormalities. The Velscope's blue light stimulates natural fluorescence in the soft tissues of your mouth. Natural fluorescence, seen through the Velscope, allows Dr. Grant to see disease not visible with the naked eye. The Velscope helps in the discovery of oral disease BEFORE it can be seen under ordinary light. Adding the Velscope to Dr. Grant's diagnostic protocol has been extremely useful and has resulted in detection of dangerous lesions that would have otherwise been undetected.
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Catch Oral Cancer Early and Schedule Your Oral Screening Appointment
Both Dr. Christine Grant and her hygienist are expertly trained in early detection of oral cancer. They are committed to performing this test annually as a benefit to all their patients. Velscope technology is recognized by the World Health Organization and performing annual cancer screening exams is considered the "Standard of Care". Call The Hyde Park Center For Aesthetic Dentistry - Christine Grant D.M.D., P.A. in Tampa, Florida today at 813-251-1548
to schedule your two minute oral cancer screening exam that could help save your life!
