Optimize Your Health with VELscope® Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer kills at least one person every hour in the US. The good news is that we can change these statistics with regular screenings. Routine oral cancer exams in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, detect this life-threatening condition when it’s easy and less costly to treat.
At Dentistry by Brian Weber, we are excited to offer the VELscope® system, an advanced, non-invasive technology for oral cancer detection. Visit Dr. Brian Weber, DDS, today and discover the difference VELscope® can make to your health.
What are the warning signs of oral cancer?
Each year, around 55,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer, and tragically, about 12,000 lose their lives to it. While oral cancer may not receive as much attention as other forms of cancer, its impact is no less serious. Fortunately, when detected early, it’s highly treatable. That’s why routine screenings and awareness of the warning signs below are vital to improving outcomes.
- A mouth sore that doesn’t heal within two weeks
- Unexplained numbness or pain in the mouth
- A sore throat that lasts more than two weeks
- Voice changes
- Difficulty swallowing or feeling like something is stuck in the throat
- Loose teeth or changes in how your dentures fit
- Unusual swellings or lumps in the mouth
- Red or white discoloration in the mouth lining, cheeks, tongue, etc.
Because many symptoms of oral cancer can mimic less serious issues like irritations or mild infections, it’s easy to overlook them. Regular screenings give you peace of mind by helping us determine whether your symptoms are routine or require further evaluation.
How does VELscope® work?
The traditional method of detecting oral cancer involves a visual and physical examination, where the dentist looks for abnormalities such as lesions, red or white patches, lumps, or unusual textures in the mouth. While this approach is effective and remains essential to screening, not all potential issues are visible to the naked eye, especially in the early stages.
VELscope® technology enhances our ability to detect irregularities. VELscope® is a non-invasive, handheld device that uses a special blue light to illuminate tissues in your mouth. The light distinguishes healthy tissues from abnormal ones, revealing changes that may not be noticeable during a standard exam.
What are the benefits of VELscope®?
Have you been screened this year for mouth cancer? Discover the modern, effective oral cancer screening with VELscope®. Here’s why this advanced technology matters.
- Painless and non-invasive: The screening is comfortable and non-invasive without the need for biopsies or other invasive procedures. You also don’t need dyes or chemicals.
- Enhanced visualization: Research shows that VELscope® can reveal abnormal tissue that might be missed by the naked eye.
- Improved outcomes: Early detection with VELscope® improves treatment success and patient prognosis.
- Peace of mind: VELscope® offers a thorough oral cancer screening process. Even when no issues are found, the peace of mind it provides is invaluable.
Why does early detection matter?
Oral cancer detection is critically important because early diagnosis can save lives. When caught in its early stages, oral cancer is much more treatable, often with less invasive procedures and a better chance of full recovery. Unfortunately, many cases go unnoticed until the disease has advanced, making regular screenings essential even if you don’t notice any symptoms.
Ready for oral cancer screening in St Louis Park, Minnesota?
Dentistry by Brian Weber offers advanced oral cancer screening with VELscope®. Call (952) 925-3555 to schedule your exam! Let’s protect your health with this small step.
