Oral Cancer Screenings at Art of Smilecare

Cancer can affect any area of the body, including the mouth. Research estimates that around 49,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. Of these, just 57% will survive for at least five years following their diagnosis. These are shocking statistics, but the relatively poor outcome of patients is primarily a result of late diagnosis.
Like all cancers, patients have a much better chance at recovering from oral cancer if it is diagnosed early on. However, in many cases, the signs of the disease are not spotted until they have advanced – often after it has metastasized to other areas of the body, such as the lymph nodes. Once any cancer has spread, it is much harder to treat it successfully.
Since the symptoms of oral cancer can be difficult to spot on yourself, visiting your dentist for regular oral cancer screenings is strongly recommended. In fact, many dentists now incorporate oral cancer screening into every routine check-up appointment.

What causes oral cancer?

Just as with other cancers, the underlying cause of oral cancer isn’t known. Nevertheless, there are some factors which are believed to make someone more likely to develop the disease. These include smoking (any tobacco product), drinking excessive amounts of alcohol and being a carrier of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

What are the signs and symptoms of oral cancer?

As we know, detecting oral cancer yourself can be tricky. However, that doesn’t mean that there are no signs or symptoms to be aware of. If you notice any of the following, we strongly recommend that you make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible:

• Sudden changes in your voice such as pitch, lisp or hoarseness
• A lump, bump or rough spot in the mouth
• Unexplained bleeding from the mouth
• Red or white patches in the mouth
• A persistent feeling that there is a lump in the back of your throat
• A lingering sore throat
• Sores in or around the mouth that bleed easily and don’t appear to be healing
• Difficulty in swallowing, speaking or chewing
• Persistent numbness on the lips or tongue
• Limited mobility of the mouth, jaw or tongue
• A sudden change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down

What is involved in oral cancer screening?

In most cases, it involves a thorough physical examination of your mouth and surrounding structures. Your dentist will look for any irregularities such as rough patches, lumps, bumps, or unusual growths. In addition, they may ask you about symptoms like persistent sore throats or lingering mouth ulcers to assess potential concerns.

At our office, we use the VELscope, the world’s #1 adjunctive examination device for oral cancer screenings. The VELscope system is a fluorescence-based technology that enhances the visualization of oral mucosal abnormalities, such as oral cancer and premalignant dysplasia, without the need for dyes. It integrates seamlessly into a routine hygiene appointment, making it an easy and effective tool for early detection.

Why We Use the VELscope

The VELscope allows for direct visualization of tissue fluorescence, which complements the traditional examination methods that rely on reflected light. This enhanced approach significantly decreases the likelihood of missing serious pathology. Fluorescence is caused by "fluorophores" in the tissues, which, when excited by blue light, emit their own light at a longer wavelength, revealing critical information about cellular, structural, and metabolic changes that may indicate disease.

By identifying oral disease early, particularly oral cancer or precancerous conditions, we improve the chances of successful treatment. The survival rate for oral cancer found early is approximately 83%, whereas it drops to around 32% when discovered later. Therefore, early detection is key.

How Does the VELscope Work?

The VELscope uses a special blue light to stimulate natural tissue fluorescence, allowing dental professionals to see abnormalities that are invisible to the naked eye. This early detection capability helps us discover oral disease before it progresses to a more serious stage. The VELscope system is clinically proven to enhance the visualization of mucosal abnormalities and can even assist specialists in determining lesion margins for surgical excision when necessary.

In conclusion, the VELscope offers a powerful tool for the early detection of oral diseases, including precancer and cancer, enhancing both the effectiveness and accuracy of routine dental exams. By using different visualization methods, such as reflected light and tissue fluorescence, we provide an examination that offers better protection for your long-term health.

Can oral cancer be treated?

The good news is that if oral cancer is detected early enough, it can be treated fairly successfully. This usually involves surgery to remove the affected area and to check that cancerous cells have not spread throughout the oral cavity. However, if your oral cancer is more advanced, surgery may need to be combined with additional therapies such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Exactly how you will be treated will depend on your stage of cancer, and your treatment plan will be explained to you so that you know what to expect.