08/08/2014 11:49
Oral cancer kills one North American every hour every day. While the typical five-year survival rate is just 30 percent, it jumps to 80 to 90 percent for those who are diagnosed early. Advanced screening options can help catch signs of oral cancer at its earliest stages, which is why our Los Angeles dentist offers Velscope.
Velscope is a discovery device that can help us see abnormal tissues. If we suspect precancerous or cancerous lesions, a biopsy will be needed to diagnose the condition. Velscope is fast, easy to use and requires no dyes, rinses or uncomfortable procedures. We simply scan the soft tissues of the mouth, and abnormalities will fluoresce. Suspicious lesions can easily be recorded for your records and shared with other dental specialists. Velscope can be performed annually, and because the screening takes just a few minutes, it can be easily incorporated into your regular dental checkup.
You may be at a higher risk of developing oral cancer if you have a history of excessive sun exposure, if you use tobacco products, if you drink heavily, if you both smoke and drink or if you have been infected with certain strains of HPV. Contact our office today to learn more or to schedule your appointment with our expert in Velscope in Los Angeles.
