Oral Cancer Screening

What is Oral Cancer Screening with Velscope?

Easily administered during routine checkups
Provides enhanced visual detection of cancer or pre-cancerous (abnormal) tissue
Finds lesions that aren’t visible under white light
When detected at its earliest stage, oral cancer is more easily treated and cured and survival rates are as high as 82%
When detected late, the overall five-year survival rate is about 50%

What is Oral Cancer?

Approximately 35,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States
Unfortunately, about 25% of those people will die of the disease
Occurs almost as frequently as leukemia
Claims more lives than melanoma or cervical cancer
Rising among women, young people and non-smokers
African-Americans are especially vulnerable; the incidence rate is 33% higher than whites and the mortality rate is almost twice as high

What are the Signs of Oral Cancer?

A tiny, unnoticed white or red spot or sore anywhere in the mouth
Can affect lips, gum tissue, check lining, tongue and the hard or soft palate
Most often occurs in tobacco users
Color change of the oral tissues
Lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area
Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue
Alcohol use combined with smoking greatly increases risk
Oral cancer is more likely to strike after age 40

Sources: American Dental Association, American Cancer Society, Den-Mat Holdings, LLC

“We have found that the Velscope oral cancer screening device is the quickest, easiest, and least invasive method of early, abnormal or cancerous cell detection, I have ever used. I believe that in the very near future, oral cancer screening will be a common practice as part of every patient’s routine dental examination, and we always strive to stay ahead of the curve by utilizing these new, state-of-the-art technologies.”

“I have personally found cancerous cells in a number of my patients’ mouths, and truly wish this technology would have been available many years ago. With over 25+ years of experience in general and cosmetic dentistry, I believe that oral cancer screening is critical part in providing proactive, world-class dental care. I highly recommend oral cancer screening for young adults 17 years through seniors. Please ask your regular dentist about the importance of oral cancer screening during your next dental visit.”

- Dr. Jerrold Goldsmith, DDS, FAGD