ORAL CANCER SCREENING

The American Cancer Society recommends patients have a complete oral soft tissue examination once a year.  Oral cancer is one of the most curable diseases when it is detected early.  That is why Dr. Crist recommends the ViziLite Plus® exam and/or VELscope® exam in combination with a conventional visual examination. ViziLite Plus® and VELscope® are new technologies and are quick, easy, inexpensive and painless and proven successful in identifying precancerous and cancerous abnormalities.  It is particularly important for patients at increased risk for oral cancer.  When premalignancies or early stage oral cancer is found, treatment is simpler, less invasive and more than 90% successful.  Early detection saves lives.  Your dental professional is YOUR best defense against oral cancer. Many insurance plans do cover these procedures.  Ask us about ViziLite Plus® and VELscope®.

Oral cancer risk by patient profile:

Increased risk:      patients ages 18 - 39 (sexually active patients (HPV 16/18)

High risk:              patients age 40 and older; tobacco users (ages 18 - 39, any type within 10 years)

Highest risk:          patients age 40 and older with lifestyle risk factors (tobacco and/or alchohol use); previous history of oral cancer

                                                              More that 25% of oral cancer victims have no such lifestyle risk factors.