Oral Cancer Screening

When you visit us for your regular cleaning and examination you will also receive an oral cancer screening. An oral cancer screening is used to identify mouth cancer early. At Mertz Family Dentistry during your exam you will also be offered a Velscope Screening. The Velscope is a blue excitation lamp, that is approved by the FDA. It highlights pre-cancerous and cancerous cell changes. It is another tool we use to help detect oral cancer in its earliest stages.

During your examination your dentist looks inside your mouth to check for red or white patches or mouth sores. They also feel the tissues in your mouth to check for lumps or other abnormalities. If anything is discovered we will recommend a follow up visit or may refer you to an oral surgeon for a biopsy.

The number of people who are diagnosed with mouth and throat cancer has been rising over the last few years. They are associated with the sexually transmitted disease human papillomavirus (HPV).

How to Prepare for your screening

Oral cancer screening doesn’t require any special preparation. Your screening is usually performed during a routine appointment when you are seen for your normal six month cleaning and examination. If you have any concerns, let us know. We are here to help!