VELscope Oral Cancer Screening

About Oral Cancer

Did you know that oral cancer steals the life of one American every hour? Only half of patients who receive an oral cancer diagnosis will survive longer than five years. Often detected in the later stages, oral cancer has a higher mortality rate than that cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s disease, brain, liver, kidney, or ovarian cancer. Treatment for oral cancer often causes disfiguration and lessens the patient’s quality of life. The best medicine, then, is prevention.

The Test that Saves Lives

With VELscope, an amazing new technology, dentists and hygienists can quickly screen for oral cancer. VELscope detects tissue abnormalities early, before they surface and cause visible lesions in the mouth. Early detection allows for early treatment, which can dramatically improve the survival potential to 80 percent or better. Dr. Greenfield uses the VELscope in combination with traditional visual exams.

How VELScope Works

The VELscope wand shines a particular type of light in the mouth. Tissues reflect the light, and abnormal tissues appear a different color. Should Dr. Greenfield see abnormalities, he’ll recommend a biopsy and refer you to a local oral surgeon.

When to Get Screened

All adults should have an annual VELscope exam, regardless of whether they are high risk. One quarter of oral cancer victims are non-smokers, don't drink, and have no lifestyle factors to heighten their risk. Men over 40 are most prone to the disease, although the number of women with oral cancer has risen in recent years, due to the increased number of female smokers. Patients with lifestyle risks, including tobacco use, daily alcohol consumption, viral infections, autoimmune deficiencies like HIV, and diabetes, may need more frequent VELscope evaluations.

Schedule a Visit Today

To reserve a personal consultation, checkup appointment, or cleaning with Dr. Greenfield, call Lake Orion Family Dentistry at 248-693-6213. It’s time you experienced dental care close to home, but far from ordinary!