Oral Cancer Screening – Velscope
In the United States, oral cancer kills roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day. However, oral cancer is also highly treatable when detected early. At Springfield Lorton Dental Group, we take a thorough and proactive approach when it comes to oral cancer. We include an oral cancer screening as a part of your routine dental exam. In addition to our advanced Velscope technology that detects the earliest signs of oral cancer, we also help patients understand the severity of oral cancer, their specific risk factors for the disease and how to identify the warning signs at home.
Using Velscope, patients receive a quick, painless and highly effective screening for oral cancer, which can be found anywhere in the mouth or throat. Velscope is a small handpiece that emits a special light to reveal abnormal pigments within the oral cavity. It is a non-invasive procedure that can be completed in just minutes.
Identify Mouth Cancer Early
Early detection is critical to surviving oral cancer. Therefore, we take the time with each patient to explain the following warning signs of mouth cancer:
- Sores that last longer than two weeks
- Swelling, growths or lumps anywhere in your mouth or neck
- White or red patches in your mouth or on your lips
- Repeated bleeding from the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent hoarseness
If you are concerned about a certain sore or lesion in your mouth, please call our office to schedule an appointment. If your Velscope screening reveals a suspicious lesion, you can trust us to take the necessary follow-up measures. In some cases, a biopsy is taken of the site to confirm or deny cellular changes. We will carefully explain your options should you need professional treatment for mouth cancer.
How long has it been since you were screened for oral cancer? Contact Springfield Lorton Dental Group today. Just a few painless minutes in the dental chair could save your life!