Using VELscope to detect Oral Cancer
Our practice is serious about early detection of oral cancer! Along with a traditional approach to oral screening, which includes examining the tissues in the mouth, we use a cutting edge tool to detect oral cancer called VELscope Oral Cancer Screening System.
The VELscope is a wireless, handheld device that shines a harmless and non-invasive fluorescence into the mouth to detect oral abnormalities. In some cases these irregularities can be found years before they could be seen with the naked eye. This exam will only take about two minutes and is covered by most insurances.
We feel good knowing we are providing a valuable service to our clients that is cleared by the FDA.
When we examine your mouth with the VELscope we can detect:
- Infections (viral, fungal and bacterial)
- Inflammation
- Tumors in the salivary gland
- Cancer and pre-cancer
- Oral mucosal conditions beyond those mentioned
What is Oral Cancer?
Any cancer is an uncontrollable growth of damaged cells that invade surrounding tissues and inhibits normal functioning of those cells and tissues. While oral cancer is more common in adults over 40, it is a disease that can affect anyone; even if you are not a smoker and never used tobacco. Oral cancers appear in the mouth: lips, gum, inside lining of the cheeks, tongue, hard palate, soft palate, sinuses, pharynx, floor of the mouth and roof of the mouth.
Often the cancer will appear as a sore in the mouth that doesn’t seem to go away and it can be life threatening, or even disfiguring, if not caught and treated early. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, oral cancer has a higher death rate than cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s disease or malignant melanoma.
That is why the doctors at Lembo-Mongomery are so passionate about early detection of oral cancer.
What are the risk factors of Oral Cancer?
- Tobacco use: Tobacco is certainly a risk with smokeless tobacco having a higher risk for oral cancer.
- Frequent alcohol use: In fact, the risk grows for those who combine alcohol and tobacco use.
- Age: Oral cancer is more prevalent in those over age 40.
- HPV: In studies, those who have HPV have been linked to higher chance of developing oral cancer.
- Diet: Diets low in fruits and vegetables have been seen as a possible risk factor for developing oral cancer.
*Oral Cancer caused by smokeless tobacco.
How do you prevent Oral Cancer?
Obviously cancer cannot always be prevented but there are certain steps you can take to reduce your risks.
- Practice good oral hygiene. While there is no proof that bad oral hygiene promotes cancer, an unhealthy mouth can lower your bodies immune system and inhibit the body’s ability to fight off disease.
- Drink alcohol in moderation.
- Do not smoke or use smoke-less tobacco.
- Limit sun exposure and always apply SPF sunscreen to your lips as well. Our lips are often overlooked when applying sunscreen.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise boosts a body’s immune system.
- Bake, steam and boil foods instead of frying and grilling.
- Choose to eat healthy foods that promote cancer prevention such as: beans, berries, cruciferous vegetables (like cabbage and broccoli), dark green leafy vegetables, flaxseed, garlic, grapes, green tea, soy and tomatoes.
- See your dentist regularly for oral cleanings and check ups.
- Conduct a self exam once a month.
Lembo-Montgomery and Team have the advanced technology to detect oral cancer by using Velscope. To insure that our patients are as healthy as possible we provide free cancer screenings. Schedule your complimentary oral cancer screening with Lembo-Montgomery and Team. Call today (704) 660-1120