Oral Cancer

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, close to 36,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year. During that same period of time, oral cancer will cause over 8,000 deaths, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day. The Oral Cancer Foundation also points out that the death rate for oral cancer is higher than that of cervical cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma, laryngeal cancer, cancer of the testes, and endocrine system cancers such as thyroid, or skin cancer. Of the 36,000 newly diagnosed individuals this year, just over half will be alive in 5 years. This number has not significantly improved in decades.

Fortunately, there has been a recent breakthrough in screening technology and Dr. Schau is now utilizing the state-of-the-art VELscope oral cancer screening to help identify oral cancer for her patients as early as possible. As with all cancers, early detection and response is key to improving your chances. Call to make a screening appointment with Dr. Schau or simply ask for the screening at your next cleaning.

VELscope®, a device utilizing a narrow band of blue excitation light and specialized filter technology, is a breakthrough in technology that helps dental professionals screen oral mucosa for abnormal areas of concern, such as potentially cancerous lesions that may be undetectable under white or chemiluminescent light. VELscope’s Direct Optical Fluorescence Visualization Technology has been proven effective in clinical trials by leading cancer researchers. VELscope is safe, non-invasive, easily incorporated into routine hygiene exams, requires no rinses, and allows dental professionals to provide optimal patient care. Contact Jennifer M.B. Schau DDS for more details and to set up your screening.