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VELscope® In Houston, TX
Did you realize that oral cancer takes more lives annually than brain, cervical, and testicular cancer? Despite this, many people remain uninformed. In 2015, around 30,000 Americans were diagnosed with oral cancer, and just over half of them lived for more than five years without treatment.
Contrary to common perception, abstaining from alcohol and tobacco doesn't ensure immunity from oral cancer. Shockingly, over 25% of all oral cancer cases occur in individuals who have never consumed these substances. The only real defense against oral cancer is to have annual oral cancer screenings.
Luckily, most dentists incorporate an oral cancer examination into their regular dental checkups. However, diagnosing oral cancer can be difficult as its symptoms often mimic less serious conditions. This is where the VELscope® System comes into play, offering dentists crucial insights into what's happening beneath the surface.
Benefits of undergoing a cancer screening using the VELscope® System:
- Can be integrated with digital photography.
- Identifies lesions, as well as white and red patches.
- Identifies issues that are not visible under white light.
- Reveals precancerous and cancerous tissue.
- FDA-approved.
- Assists dentists in ensuring the complete removal of diseased soft tissue.
- Unveils precancerous and cancerous tissue.
Our team of dentists at the Houston, TX office can perform a VELscope® exam in just two to three minutes. This procedure, which is painless and noninvasive, has been crucial in saving many lives annually.
So What Actually Happens During A VELscope Exam?
During your dental visit, a comprehensive examination of your glands, tongue, cheeks, teeth, and palate will be conducted. Following this, you'll be given a pre-rinse solution to swish in your mouth. Special eyewear will be provided to safeguard your eyes during the oral cavity examination using the VELscope®.
The VELscope® is a compact device that projects blue light into your mouth, making it easier to spot lesions and other oral cancer indicators, which appear darker under this specific light. If any symptoms are found, an immediate biopsy may be performed by the dentist to confirm if it's oral cancer. The next steps will be decided based on the biopsy results. If no symptoms are found, another oral cancer screening will be scheduled after a year.
If you have any queries or concerns about oral cancer screening or the VELscope® system, feel free to reach out to the nearest dental office. We have a conveniently located office in Houston, TX. Book your oral cancer screening today.
New Patients & Emergency Appointments Welcome!
*If changes need to be made, contact the office 48 hours in advance to avoid cancellation fees.
