Oral cancer screening near you
- Sadly around 1,600 people die of mouth cancer every year.
- The rate of oral cancer is growing.
- The biggest growth in oral cancer is among non-smokers, and the main cause is Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
- When oral cancer is discovered early, the survival rate is very high. However, when it is discovered too late (which is normally the case), the survival rate is very low.
- Health experts recommend that all adults receive annual oral cancer screenings.
Due to this risk to your health, our practice has recently invested in a state-of-the-art VELscope® system. As part of our conventional oral cancer examination, it can help us discover potentially dangerous tissue that we might otherwise miss. It is likely that we won’t find anything that concerns us, but if we do the VELscope® device will increase our odds of finding it early rather than late.
An oral cancer examination with a VELscope® screening takes very little time and involves no pain or inconvenience.
To find out more about Oral Screening or to arrange an initial consultation call us on 029 2084 3658 or contact us today using our online enquiry form.
What is Velscope screening?
VELscope, or the VELscope® Vx Enhanced Oral Assessment System, is a wireless handheld device that uses natural tissue fluorescence to enhance our ability to detect abnormalities in the mouth that are often invisible to the naked eye.
This method utilises the latest technology, making it easier for our specialists to use as an adjunctive tool for visualising tissue abnormalities in patients’ mouths.
How does Velscope screening work for detecting oral cancer?
Unlike traditional oral cancer screening, which relies on visual examination of the mouth for red, white, or black spots, Velscope uses a superior blue light to excite molecules deep within the layer of our oral mucosal tissues (the mucous membrane lining the inside of the mouth).
The Velscope’s proprietary filter allows dentists to visualise dysplastic cells or cells that are just beginning to make their transformation into pre-cancerous cells by enhancing the contrast between normal and abnormal tissue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does HPV stand for?
HPV stands for human papillomavirus. HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), but it is not always caused by sexual contact.
Should I get an oral cancer screening test?
Quite often people with oral HPV don’t have symptoms, so it’s always good to be safe. By getting screened, you increase your chances of getting early treatment should you be diagnosed with oral cancer.
What are the risks of oral cancer?
Data for the mortality rate of oral cancer hasn’t progressed as much as other forms of cancer in the body. As is the case with all types of cancer, the earlier it can be detected, the sooner treatment can start and achieve a positive outcome. If caught early, the chances of people with oral cancer can be very good.