Early Detection Is Your Best Weapon Against Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a surprisingly serious and ever growing problem
, potentially affecting all adults. The number of people with oral cancer has been rising in recent years and as a result, over 37,000 North Americans are expected to develop oral cancer in 2009.
Oral cancer can develop in any three main areas; the oral cavity, the salivary glands and the Oropharynx which includes the throat and tongue. The most common type of oral cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which begins in the thin, flat cells that line your oral cavity.
Common oral cancer symptoms experienced include swelling, lumps and irritation inside the areas of the mouth; unexplained bleeding, numbness in the mouth and persistent sores. It is crucial to watch for signs of oral cancer as early oral cancer detection can increase the survival rate dramatically.
Two-thirds of oral cancers are detected in the later stages, with only a 22% survival rate, which explains why early detection is so important. When discovered in the early stages, the survival rate can leap to 80% or higher. With increased technological advances, the dental profession has developed an oral cancer screening device to help early detection.
Velscope is the recently developed oral cancer detection device that is used to enhance the visualization of oral abnormalities. Velscope works through the use of a safe blue light, shone into the oral cavity. This allows the dentist to view and help differentiate between normal and abnormal tissue. The Velscope oral cancer screening device is quick, easy and convenient, allowing treatment to be swift.
In order to maintain your oral health and wellbeing it is recommended that regular dental checkups and annual oral cancer exams are taken. Tobacco users, heavy alcohol users and people with a prior history of cancer should take an oral cancer screening at every hygiene check-up. An oral cancer detection device such as Velscope can help detect oral cancer in its early stages and allow for planning of the best oral cancer treatment. For your next dental visit it is worth talking to your dentist about having an oral cancer screening.
by: Dr Monica Crooks
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