Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

Early Detection For Oral Cancer

Thursday, February 04, 2010

Oral Cancer Screenings Once A Year!

For many years the manner in which a dentist screened for oral cancer was with the mirror, light, and their own hands and eyes. Today that has changed as has the incidence of oral cancer.
While the occurrence of many cancers has decreased, the frequency of oral cancer increased by 11% in 2008. 40 % of those diagnosed with oral cancer didn't have the typical contributory factors such as smoking, smokeless tobacco or excessive alcohol. With early detection there is an 85-90% survival rate!

Finally dentists have the advanced technology to enhance early detection of oral cancer. Several different companies have produced the means that allows the dentist to identify areas that may be the first signs of oral cancer.

One such way is Vizilite. With this system the patient swishes a raspberry vinaigrette-like solution for one minute. The mouth is then scanned with a special fluorescent light. If there are suspicious areas the tissue in that area will “light up”. Early detection is the key in the success of treating any form of cancer.

We offer this service to all of our patients and ask them to participate on an annual basis. We are concerned about your entire health, not just your teeth! If you have any questions regarding early detection of oral cancer, please do not hesitate to contact us. Call us at 561-394-9000 and we will arrange for an appointment.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.