Oral Cancer
Did you know…
Early detection of oral lesions through tissue fluorescence 
Fluorescence visualization assists healthcare professionals in identifying oral abnormalities at the earliest stages. The VELscope technology platform is based on the direct visualization of tissue fluorescence and the changes that occur when abnormal cells are present. The VELscope hand piece emits a safe blue light into the oral cavity, causing tissue fluorescence from the surface of the epithelium through to the basal membrane - where pre-malignant changes typically start. By utilizing special optical filters in the VELscope hand piece the clinician is able to immediately view the different fluorescence signatures in the oral tissue to help differentiate between normal and abnormal cellular activity.VELscope helps the clinician evaluate oral mucosa for abnormal areas of concern, such as potentially cancerous lesions, which are often undetectable under white light. VELscope is a revolutionary hand-held device offering Dentists and Hygienists an easy-to-use adjunctive screening instrument to assist in the early detection of oral mucosal abnormalities. Typically, healthy tissue appears as apple green, while the suspicious regions are identified by a loss of fluorescence, which thus appear dark. When used in combination with white light examination, VELscope is setting a new standard of care for early detection in oral mucosal screening. 
Healthy tissue fluorescenceVELscope provides for a more effective oral mucosal screening protocol with immediate benefits for the patient, clinician and practice. When used as an adjunctive aid in combination with traditional oral cancer examination procedures, VELscope facilitates the early discovery and visualization of mucosal abnormalities prior to surface exposure that may be, or may lead to, oral cancer. The clinician just repeats the intra-oral portion of the oral cancer screening - no rinses required - adding approximately two extra minutes to the entire screening procedure. A VELscope examination helps oral healthcare professionals assure their patients that the standard of care for oral mucosal screening has been utilized. Through the CDT-2005 code D04316, insurance companies are increasingly recognizing VELscope as an adjunctive screening device. VELscope combines minimal per-patient costs with more effective screening. 
Photos courtesy of the British Columbia Oral Cancer Prevention Program. |