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Learn MoreAn oral cancer screening is a quick, non-invasive exam to identify signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in the mouth early for a greater chance of cure. The dentist examines the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, roof and floor of the mouth, and throat for suspicious areas like white or red patches, sores, lumps, rough or numb areas, and difficulty chewing or swallowing. A Velscope device is used, emitting a safe blue light causing healthy tissue to glow while abnormal tissue appears dark, helping spot potential issues not visible to the naked eye.
Oral cancer is a serious disease that affects thousands of Americans each year. The key to successful treatment is catching it early. That's why we offer quick, painless oral cancer screenings using the advanced Velscope system. Velscope uses a special blue light to detect abnormal tissue changes in your mouth that may not be visible to the naked eye. The entire screening process takes just minutes and could potentially save your life. We recommend that all adults get screened annually, especially those with risk factors like smoking or heavy alcohol use.
Velscope is a simple, painless imaging system that helps detect oral abnormalities early. Here's how it works:
The entire Velscope exam takes just 2-3 minutes and involves no discomfort. It's a valuable addition to the conventional oral exam for detecting potential cancerous or precancerous lesions as early as possible.
If your oral cancer screening is normal, no special follow-up care is needed. Simply continue to:
If a suspicious area is found, your dentist will discuss next steps with you, which may include:
Remember, early detection is crucial for the successful treatment of oral cancer. If you notice any persistent changes in your mouth, such as a sore that doesn't heal, pain, numbness, or a lump, contact your dentist right away - don't wait for your next scheduled screening.
We recommend yearly oral cancer screenings for all adults, especially those over 40 or with risk factors like smoking, heavy alcohol use, or a history of oral cancer. However, 25% of oral cancers occur in people with no risk factors, so everyone can benefit from this quick, non-invasive screening.
Not at all. The Velscope exam is completely painless and non-invasive.
We recommend yearly oral cancer screenings for most adults as part of their routine dental checkups. However, your dentist may suggest more frequent screenings if you have a history of oral cancer or if you have certain risk factors.
