Everything You Should Know About Oral Cancer, Symptoms, and VELscope Screening

According to Cancer.org, there are an estimated 54,000 oral cancer cases likely to be diagnosed in 2021. 

Oral cancer is known to affect the tongue, the tonsils, and oropharynx, the gums, the floor or other parts of the mouth. Diagnosing this life-threatening condition requires special screening equipment.

Dr. Anthony G. Corbo, DDS, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, uses the highly advanced VELscope oral cancer screening system to diagnose oral cancer in patients. Read on to learn more about oral cancer screening and how VELscope can make all the difference.

How Is Oral Cancer Screened?

Some of the risk factors for oral cancer include: 

• History of tobacco use 
• Family history
• Facial sun exposure
• Weak immune system

Traditional oral cancer screening involves examining a patient’s mouth looking for cancer-related conditions based on symptoms like: 

• Loose teeth
• Sore throat or difficulty swallowing
• Pain in ear, tongue, and jaw
• Sores that don’t heal
• Abnormal growths or red patches in the mouth

Advanced screening technologies such as the VELscope system used by Dr. Corbo can identify early signs of oral cancer using a special blue light that excites the mouth tissues and makes abnormalities that would not otherwise be spotted light up. 

How Does the VELscope Oral Cancer Screening System Help?

A VELscope oral cancer screen is a device that is highly effective at spotting signs of mucosal abnormalities and oral cancer that would otherwise go unnoticed. 

The device helps spot oral cancer early on and assists with the official diagnosis and subsequent treatment procedures. 

Here’s what happens during a VELscope screening:

• Dr. Corbo will use the VELscope Vx device during the dental assessment to check for signs of oral cancer.
• When turned on, the device emits a blue light that stimulates the mucosal tissues. 
• If any abnormalities in the patient’s mouth become fluorescent, this is an indication that the patient may have oral cancer.

If the signs of oral cancer are confirmed, Dr. Corbo will immediately commence treatment.

Contact Dr. Anthony G. Corbo, DDS, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for any questions about oral cancer, screening, or the VELscope device. Call (954) 434-2234 to book an appointment or visit our office at 13101 Old Sheridan St, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33330 between Monday to Thursday for a consultation.