Velscope Oral Cancer Exam by Burien Dentist

BURIEN

207 SW 156th, Suite 6
Burien, WA 98166

(206) 244-4545

DENTAL

map >>

ALAN COOPER, DDS, PS

It kills one person every hour of every day in North America. It has three times more victims than cervical cancer. Nearly half of oral cancer patients are expected to die within five years of diagnosis. Caught early, however, the five year survival rate goes up signficantly, to nearly 83%. These are sobering statistics.

High Tech Screening Device Aids in Early Detection
Our office has invested in a high tech electronic device that uses fluoresence visualization technology to aid us in early detection of oral cancers. The device, called the Velscope, is painless, non-invasive and involves no unpleasant rinses or stains.

It uses a safe blue light which excites the oral tissue, causing it to fluoresce, or "glow". Because normal tissue and abnormal tissue glow differently, we hope to discover possible cancers before they can be seen with the naked eye. A recent study done by researchers at the University of Washington showed the Velscope to be a powerful tool in detecting abnormal tissue.

Each time you visit Dr. Cooper for an exam, we will carefully evaluate your mouth for signs of oral cancer. The Velscope is used for every new patient exam - at no additional charge.

Am I at Risk for Oral Cancer?
A history of alcohol and tabacco use has traditionally been the most significant factor associated with people who develop oral cancers. However, more recently, a large percentage of those affected have never smoked or used alcohol, and include an increasingly younger set of people. The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is thought to be the reason. (This is the same virus that has been found to cause cervical cancer.)

What are the Signs of Oral Cancer?
The scary part of this disease is that, in its earliest stages, those who have it may not feel nor see anything out of the ordinary. Here are some common signs, however:

white or red patch in your mouth or small sore that looks like a canker sore - which does not go away after 14 days
lumps, bumps or masses that you can feel inside your mouth or neck
pain or trouble swallowing, speaking or chewing
any wart like masses
a hoarse or raspy voice that doesn't go away
any numb feeling in your mouth or in your face around your mouth
sometimes, a persistent ear ache on just one side can be a warning sign

Early detection is the most effective way to improve survival rates. If you notice a sore in your mouth that does not go away within 2 weeks, or notice any other of these signs, make an appointment with us as soon as possible. Call Dr. Cooper at 206-244-4545 to schedule a Velscope examination.

VELSCOPE ORAL CANCER EXAMINATION

Check these out for more Information:

www.velscope.com

www.oralcancerfoundation.org

Oral Cancer - It Will Never Happen to Me, Right?

Wow, we certainly hope you are right!! We can say with certainty though, that patients in our practice have been diagnosed with oral cancer. As one of the first practices in our area to use the Velscope oral cancer screening tool, we believe that it helps us to find these lesions earlier. Early detection means less chance of serious, life threatening issues. If you are a resident of the Burien, Normandy Park, Sea Hurst, Sea Tac or Tukwila areas, we invite you to join our practice, Burien Dental and Dr. Alan Cooper, in Burien, Washington.
.

Home | Dr. Cooper | Make Appointment | Contact Us