Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer screening is an examination performed by a dentist or doctor to look for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. The goal of oral cancer screening is to identify mouth cancer early, when there is a greater chance for a cure.

In our practice, as your healthcare provider, we seek to provide you access to the newest and most effective scientific screening and treatment.  In 2009 Trimira introduced the Indetafi 3000 which is a multispectral medical device that greatly enhances our ability to find early signs of cancer and dysplasia in the mouth.  Historically, our practice has used white light in examination for oral cancer.  The use of narrow band violet light and green-amber reflected light helps us detect in the oral tissue various problems including cancer lesions and dysplasia.

Early detection of oral cancer is important to being able to provide early treatment and avoidance of the problems which arise from late stage detection of oral cancer.  THE 5 YEAR MORTALITY RATE OF ORAL CANCER VICTIMS IS NEARLY 50%.  However, if oral cancer is detected in its early stages, it has a nearly 90% cure rate.

The Oral Cancer Foundation advises that one American dies every hour from oral cancer.  Late detection of oral cancer is the primary cause that both the incidence and mortality rates of oral cancer continue to increase.  As with most cancers, age is the primary risk factor for oral cancer.  Tobacco and alcohol use are other major predisposing risk factors but, MORE THAN 25% OF ORAL CANCER VICTIMS HAVE NO LIFESTYLE RISK FACTORS. Recently, scientists have established a connection between HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) a viral infection in the mouth and the occurrence of oral cancer.  The CDC has recommended that all patients over the age of 17 be screened annually. 

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