VELScope® Oral Cancer Screening

VELscope Oral Cancer Screening System

Close to 54,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer this year. In almost all cases of oral cancer, early detection plays a major role in a patient's chances of survival. By diagnosing and treating oral cancer early, a patient's five year survival rate is 85%. The VelscopeVX helps us visualize abnormal oral abnormalities, including oral cancer, that may not be apparent or even visible with the naked eye.

Risk factors for oral/oropharyngeal cancer include:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV-16) infection
• Frequent use of tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco)
• Excessive consumption of alcohol
• Genetics (a family history of oral cancer or any type of cancer)

How VELscope works

The VELscope screening system utilizes specific wavelengths of blue light combined with proprietary optical filtering that make it easier for Dr. Helton to look closely at the tissues inside your mouth. Normal tissues will almost glow a bright green color. Abnormal tissue shows up much darker under the special light.

An abnormal screening does not always mean that the patient has cancer. If an abnormal screening occurs, Dr. Helton may schedule a follow up visit to see if the dark spots disappear, or may refer you to our trusted oral surgeon or ear nose and throat doctor to investigate the area further.