Oral Cancer Screenings

Today there are tests that can be done that go beyond the visual exam to rule out disease.

Vizilite

This is an easy, non-invasive, low cost test. It utilizes a rinse that desiccates the cells slightly beneath the surface tissues in the mouth and then a special light and blue stain are used to illuminate cellular changes. This test clearly identifies any abnormalities that in the past may have been missed by simple visual inspection.

Velescope

This technology utilizes the same principles but requires a sophisticated light and is more costly.

Oral CDX

This is a non-invasive test that is specifically designed to take cell samples through a gentle brush and rule out malignancy. It is viewed under a microscope and is very accurate, yet requires no incisions or sutures and is low-cost. It has allowed dentists to be much more thorough in evaluating questionable spots and the prevention of serious disease is greatly enhanced.

Biopsy

Occasionally an accurate confirmation of a diagnosis is required and a small sample of tissue is removed and sent to a lab for microscopic cellular diagnosis. This can frequently be performed in our office, or can be indicated and referred to an Oral Surgeon or Periodontist for the procedure.