VELscope: An Innovative Tool for Early Oral Cancer Detection
VELscope is an innovative tool for early oral cancer detection. Learn how it works, how it helps save lives, and how it improves overall oral health from Berkeley’s top lifestyle dentist.
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Oral cancer is a silent threat that affects thousands of lives each year. In the United States alone, over 58,000 people are diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer every year — with over 12,000 deaths attributed to these diseases. What makes oral cancer particularly dangerous is its ability to progress unnoticed, as early signs and symptoms can be subtle and easily overlooked.
Regular dental check-ups are crucial for early detection, yet many individuals fail to prioritize these dental visits, leaving potential issues undiagnosed. In light of this pressing concern, innovative technologies like VELscope have emerged as powerful tools in the fight against oral cancer. This groundbreaking device offers several advantages over traditional oral cancer screening methods, including detecting oral abnormalities at earlier stages and potentially saving lives through timely intervention and treatment options.
Read on to learn how VELscope saves lives with earlier oral cancer detection and where to find the best lifestyle dentist in Berkeley who offers this advanced dental technology.
What is VELscope?
VELscope is an advanced oral cancer screening device that uses fluorescence visualization technology to detect abnormal tissue changes in the mouth. This handheld, non-invasive tool emits a safe blue light that causes the soft tissues of the mouth to appear fluorescent.
Healthy tissues appear differently under this light when compared to abnormal tissues, allowing dental professionals to identify potentially cancerous or precancerous lesions that might not be visible to the naked eye during a conventional oral exam.
While VELscope does not diagnose oral cancer on its own, it serves as a critical preventive dentistry tool, helping dentists identify areas of concern that may require further investigation or biopsy. By enhancing the visibility of oral abnormalities, VELscope assists in the early detection of oral cancer, potentially improving treatment outcomes and patient prognosis.
How Does VELscope Work?
VELscope works by utilizing the principle of tissue fluorescence. When the device's blue light is shone into the mouth, it excites certain molecules within the oral tissue, causing them to emit their light, known as fluorescence.
Healthy tissues typically appear as a bright apple-green color under this light. However, abnormal tissues, which may indicate precancerous or cancerous changes, have a different molecular structure. These abnormal areas absorb the blue light and appear dark, creating a visual contrast against the surrounding healthy tissue.
This contrast allows dental professionals to identify suspicious areas that may not be visible during a standard visual examination. The entire screening process is quick, typically taking only a few minutes, and causes no pain or discomfort to the patient.
How Can VELscope Detect Oral Cancer Early?
VELscope can detect oral cancer early because it reveals tissue changes at the cellular level before they become visible to the naked eye. The device's specialized blue light causes abnormal tissues to appear dark against the fluorescent glow of healthy tissues, highlighting areas of concern that may not be apparent during a traditional visual examination.
By detecting these abnormalities early, VELscope enables prompt investigation and intervention, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Early detection is important in oral cancer treatment, increasing survival rates and reducing the need for invasive treatments.
Other Benefits of VELscope Technology
VELscope technology offers several additional benefits beyond its early oral cancer detection. Some additional advantages include:
Non-invasive procedure: VELscope screenings are painless and typically take only a few minutes to complete.
Enhanced patient education: The visual nature of VELscope results helps lifestyle dental providers better explain oral health concerns to patients, increasing understanding and compliance with necessary oral care.
Detection of other oral health issues: VELscope can help identify various oral health issues, such as infections in the mouth, inflammation of the oral cavity, or lesions that may not be related to cancer.
Cost-effective preventive care: Early detection of oral health issues can lead to less invasive and costly treatments in the long run.
While VELscope's primary advantage remains its ability to aid in early oral cancer detection, these additional functions make it a versatile and valuable tool that patients of modern dental practices can benefit from.
Risk Factors of Oral Cancer
While regular dental check-ups and professional screenings are essential, it's equally important for individuals to understand what may increase the risk of oral cancer, which includes:
The use of tobacco and alcohol, even if you only drink alcohol on rare occasions
Other health problems, such as cancer in other parts of the body or HPV infections
Increased age
Poor nutrition
Poor general health
Chronic dry mouth
Infrequent teeth cleanings
Oral cancer symptoms can manifest in various ways, and some symptoms may be subtle or easily overlooked — here are the signs and symptoms you should be aware of:
Sores on the lip or inside of the mouth that don’t heal — even on the roof of the mouth and floor of the mouth
Lumps or thickening of the skin over the lips, inside of the cheeks, or back of the throat
Unexpected weight loss
Swelling of the jaw or neck
Difficulty chewing or swallowing
Changes in voice
Unusual bleeding from the mouth or throat
Pain in the mouth, ear, or jaw — particularly when chewing or swallowing
Keep in mind that early recognition and timely intervention can greatly improve the prognosis for those affected by oral cancer.
Where to Find the Best Family Dentist in Berkeley Who Offers VELscope
At Lifestyle Dentistry Berkeley, our commitment to modern dentistry, including the use of VELscope technology for oral cancer screening, demonstrates our dedication to safeguarding both your oral health and overall well-being.
Dr. Nisha Kalra and our team of skilled dentists understand the critical importance of early oral cancer detection, and our comprehensive screening process reflects this proactive approach. The VELscope device uses fluorescence visualization technology to reveal tissue changes that might not be visible to the naked eye, allowing us to detect potential issues before they progress.
Our integrative approach to dentistry includes regular oral cancer screenings as part of your routine check-ups. We believe in empowering our patients with knowledge and early intervention strategies. By incorporating VELscope screenings into our practice, we offer an additional layer of protection for your oral health, potentially saving lives through early detection of oral cancer and precancerous lesions.
Ready to ensure your long-lasting oral and physical health with non-invasive oral cancer screenings from the highest-rated lifestyle dentist in Berkeley?
