New Technology Can Be A Life Saver

8 October 2009

If you need another reason to see your dentist regularly, how about the fact that each year 34,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer.  It will cause over 8,000 deaths, killing roughly one person per hour, 24 hours a day.  Of these 34,000 newly diagnosed people, only half will be alive in 5 years.  This number has not improved in decades.

The death rate associated with oral cancer is high partly because it is usually discovered late in its development.
The biggest risk factors are tobacco and alcohol use.  Recent studies have even linked HPV with certain types or oral cancer.  Disturbingly, a significant number of people diagnosed with oral cancer have no history of either risk factor.

Recently, there has been a dramatic breakthrough with the development and FDA approval of a hand held device called the VELscope which allows your dentist and dental hygienist to see oral cancer and precancerous areas which were previously invisible.  The VELscope emits a safe blue light which causes the tissues in the mouth to fluoresce.

An Oral Cancer Exam with VELscope Screening takes minutes, involves no pain or inconvenience, and is very affordable. This exciting new technology has already been shown to save lives.

Chances are you don’t have oral cancer, but wouldn’t it be nice to be checked?  Call to schedule your hygiene and Oral Cancer Screening appointment today.

www.velscope.com
www.oralcancerfoundation.org
www.mayoclinic.com