What is the Velscope?

The Velscope is a non-invasive tool that helps dental professionals visualize abnormalities in the mucosal tissues of yourlips,mouth and upper throat. In just two minutes, with no rinses, stains, or discomfort, a VELscope examination lets healthcare professionals improve their assessment of your overall oral health.

Is the Velscope safe?

Yes! The velscope uses blue light to cause healthy tissue to fluoresce.  It does not produce radiation of any kind and is safe for use on all patients.

When is the Velscope used?

Every patient receives an Oral Cancer screening as part of a routine exam. The Velscope is used to supplement that exam.

The Velscope is highly recommended to evaluate suspicious lesions that have persisted for more than 14 days. The results from the Velscope exam will aid in early detection and in making the decision to biopsy a suspicious lesion.

Is The Velscope a Diagnostic Tool?

Like other visualization technologies, such as panoramic radiography, CT, MRI, PET and ultrasound, the VELscope is NOT a stand-alone diagnostic test. However, used in conjunction with the standard oral soft tissue exam, VELscope provides visual information that cannot be acquired in any other way.

Oral Cancer Statistics:

Approximately 36,540 Americans will be diagnosed with cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx in 2010. During the same time period 7,880 Americans will die of oral cancer.*

One of the VELscope system’s most important tasks is to help identify areas that might, if not identified and treated, progress to oral cancer. The statistics below, from the National Cancer Institute’s SEER Database, 1999-2006, are a compelling argument for regular VELscope exams:

• Found early, while still Localized (confined to the primary site), oral cancer’s five-year survival rate is good: about 83%. Only 33% of all oral cancer discoveries fall into this category.
• Found while Regional (progressed to regional lymph nodes) the five-year survival rate drops significantly, to about 55%. Approximately 46% of all oral cancer discoveries are Regional.
• Found late, oral cancer’s five-year survival rate is poor: approximately 32%. This accounts for approximately 14% of all oral cancer findings.

For more information on oral cancer, please visit the Oral Cancer Foundation.