Live your life to the fullest! Advanced screening, the key to early detection of oral cancers
Led by Dr. Kurt W. Knechtel, DMD, Longmont Dental rolls out the red carpet for patients in and around Longmont, Colorado, and the greater Boulder area. We do so both with our kind, non-judgmental, warm, and inviting approach to care and our surroundings, as well as with sophisticated technologies and advanced techniques. This combination of amenities and forward-thinking treatment supports the most comfortable, precise, pleasant, and safe experience.
Notably, our use of sophisticated diagnostic technology promotes an accurate understanding of underlying conditions or the root causes of patient complaints. Accurate diagnoses inform immediate and effective treatment plans. And, as it relates to the prompt detection of early-stage oral cancer, screening assisted by VELscope® can quite literally save lives.
What is VELscope®?
Longmont Dental is among the select providers, near and far, to invest in VELscope®. Other practitioners may be limited in their ability to see or visualize potentially dangerous pre-cancers and cancerous lesions during routine exams and screenings. VELscope® gives Dr. Knechtel an edge in treating patients. Using the latest VELscope® Vx enhanced oral assessment system, he can see abnormal tissue.
The systems designed by LED Dental imaging technology specialists are based on blue light science. Instead of traditional tools that use reflected light to evaluate and offset problem tissues, the VELscope® system uses blue light technology to excite or activate fluorophore molecules. These molecules are present deep within the layers of oral tissue. They then emit their light at longer wavelengths, a process known as fluorescence; the resulting shades of green, yellow, and red stick out starkly and in great contrast to the surrounding normal tissues.
When abnormal tissues “show up” in this manner and stick out so much, Dr. Knechtel can accurately and precisely identify those areas subject to cellular, structural, and metabolic changes. These changes frequently are associated with existing diseases. We can identify active oral cancers in their earliest, localized stages and pre-malignant dysplasia, the medical way of referring to pre-cancers.
As with so many different types of cancers, malignant oral tumors have a high rate of being successfully treated when detected before they have spread to other tissues or distant organs. So, early detection with the latest, safest, and minimally-invasive tools (like the VELscope®), is critical to our patients living many years to the fullest. Due to our approach to getting to know our patients as “family,” we also work to reduce the risk of developing oral cancer. While we can’t control everything, we can partner to minimize the dangers presented by factors such as smoking, vaping, and tobacco use.
Oral Cancer Screening FAQs
What are the warning signs of oral cancer?
Oral or oropharyngeal cancers develop in the mouth and throat, including the lips, tongue, gums, tonsils, inner cheeks, salivary glands, and the throat. Oral cancer usually develops without symptoms. However, it’s important to keep note of any of these symptoms.
- White or red patches in the mouth
- Unexplained bleeding or numbness in the mouth
- Sores or lesions that don’t heal within two weeks
- Sore throat or hoarseness that doesn’t go away
- Changes in how your dentures fit
- Feeling like something is stuck in the throat
- Unexplained lumps or swellings
The above symptoms don’t mean you have oral cancer. In fact, many of them have benign explanations. However, any symptom that feels off requires clinical examination.
Who needs oral cancer screening?
Everyone needs routine screenings because mouth cancer doesn’t discriminate. We have seen patients with no known risk factors get oral cancer, making routine screenings important for everyone.
How often do I need oral cancer screenings?
Most patients should have an oral cancer screening at least once a year, often during a routine dental exam. However, higher-risk individuals need more frequent screenings, typically every 3-6 months. Common risk factors for oral cancer include:
- Tobacco use
- Heavy alcohol use
- Exposure to certain strains of HPV
- Poor diet or immunity
- Family history of oral cancer
- Sun exposure, especially to the lips
- Age
How long does an oral cancer screening take?
The screening is quick and convenient. It typically takes just a few minutes and can be completed during your regular dental check-up.
Are oral cancer exams painful?
Not at all! Oral cancer screenings are completely painless and non-invasive. The dentist uses visual and physical examinations to detect cancerous and precancerous irregularities in your mouth. At our office, we take the screening a notch higher. We utilize VELscope, which employs a unique light to identify unusual tissue alterations that might not be detectable to the unaided eye. Whatever method is used, the procedure is very comfortable.
What happens if something suspicious is found?
So, what happens if we find an abnormal lesion or area of swelling? Your dentist will recommend a follow-up appointment to monitor the area of concern. If it doesn’t show any signs of improvement, further testing, including a biopsy, will help determine whether it’s benign or requires treatment. The key is to get clear answers to guide the way forward.
Why is early detection of oral cancer important?
Early detection improves the outlook for oral cancer. When discovered at stage 1 or 2, oral cancer has a 5-year survival rate of over 90%. A small cancer can be treated with surgery, and patients have a remarkable prognosis. When the disease advances, you require more aggressive treatments, and the disease has a less favorable prognosis.
Why is the rate of oral cancer rising?
An increase in HPV-related cases has contributed to the rise in oral cancer diagnoses, particularly among younger adults. Lifestyle factors such as tobacco and alcohol use also continue to play a role.
Can I prevent oral cancer?
While there is nothing you can do about certain risk factors, such as age and genetics, you can take proactive steps to reduce your risk.
These include:
- Quit all tobacco products
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Practice good oral hygiene and schedule regular dental check-ups
- Consider HPV vaccinations
- Maintain a healthy diet
Where can I schedule an oral cancer exam in Longmont, CO?
Early detection saves lives. At Longmont Dental, we offer routine oral cancer screenings to catch the condition at its earliest, most treatable stage. Waiting until symptoms show up can be too late. Be proactive about your oral health and schedule your oral cancer screening today. Dial (720) 815-4733 and let's set up your appointment.
