Oral cancer is a very serious issue that we at Barrington Dental Wellness Center address with any patient. 25% of those who are diagnosed with oral cancer do not involve those in high risk areas, meaning non-tobacco users, excessive alcohol use and other relevant factors. We, along with the entire medical community believe the best approach is early diagnosis.
What is the VELscope® oral cancer screening?
Oral cancer is a potentially life-threatening disease and we aim to protect you from it at Barrington Dental Wellness Center. Our VELscope oral cancer screenings are performed during your six-month examinations. We perform these examinations frequently because oral cancer is most successfully treated in its early stages. Using fluorescent technology, the VELscope can accurately detect oral abnormalities in the mouth. These abnormalities or lesions can be further tested to see if they are cancerous.
Do I need a VELscope oral cancer screening?
Our caring dentists, will perform an oral cancer screening using the VELscope device during your routine dental exams. This ensures that we detect any oral abnormalities as soon as possible. If needed, we will refer you to a specialist for further testing and care.
What are the risk factors for oral cancer?
Men are more likely than women to suffer from oral cancer, and men over the age of 50 are at the highest risk. The risk factors for oral cancer include:
A family history of cancer
Excessive alcohol consumption
Smoking and smokeless tobacco use
Excessive sun exposure
We welcome you to contact us today to learn more about why we provide VELscope oral cancer screening in Barrington, IL. The VELscope oral cancer screening is just one of the ways we protect our patients for life.