VELscope® Oral Cancer Screening in Burnaby

What Is VELscope®?

VELscope® is a handheld device that emits a safe, bright blue light to inspect the tissues inside your mouth. When this blue-spectrum light shines into the oral cavity, healthy tissues naturally fluoresce in distinct, predictable patterns. Abnormal tissue, such as that associated with precancerous changes, dysplasia, or oral cancer, disrupts this pattern, alerting your dentist to areas that may require further evaluation.

This screening takes just a few minutes and is entirely pain-free. It’s especially effective at detecting subtle changes beneath the surface of the mucosa, long before physical symptoms appear.

Why Oral Cancer Screening Matters

Oral cancer often begins silently. Early signs are easy to miss because they can resemble harmless spots or minor irritations. Without regular screenings, many patients don’t discover oral cancer until it has progressed.

According to research, only about 50% of patients diagnosed with oral cancer survive more than five years. However, when detected early, survival rates increase dramatically. VELscope® allows us to examine tissues in real time, helping us spot issues early and act quickly.

How the VELscope® Exam Works

Your VELscope® screening will typically be part of your routine dental exam and includes the following steps:

1. Visual Examination: We start by looking for any red or white patches, sores, or texture changes in your mouth, lips, and tongue.
2. VELscope® Screening: Using the VELscope® device, we shine the specialized blue light throughout your mouth. Areas that appear dark or irregular under the light may indicate abnormal changes.
3. Further Testing (if needed): If we detect an area of concern, we may perform a simple brush biopsy or refer you for further evaluation to determine whether it contains precancerous or cancerous cells.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer to Watch For

While VELscope® helps us catch problems early, it’s also important to recognize warning signs, including:

• A sore in the mouth that bleeds or doesn’t heal
• Red or white patches on the gums, cheeks, or tongue
• Thickened or rough spots in the mouth
• Numbness or pain in the mouth, face, or neck
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
• A change in your bite or how teeth fit together

If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if they last more than two weeks, contact our clinic promptly for evaluation.

Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

Certain habits and lifestyle choices increase the risk of developing oral cancer:

• Tobacco use (including cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco)
• Excessive alcohol use, especially combined with smoking
• Prolonged sun exposure, which may cause lip cancer
• Age 40 or older, though oral cancer can occur at any age

Preventive Measures

While oral cancer cannot always be prevented, you can significantly reduce your risk by adopting healthy habits:

• Quit or reduce tobacco use
• Limit alcohol consumption, especially when combined with smoking
• Use high-SPF lip balm and limit sun exposure
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Schedule regular dental checkups with VELscope® screenings

Protect Your Oral Health, Book a Screening Today

At Carleton Square Dental Centre, your health is our priority. Our VELscope® screenings offer a fast, non-invasive way to detect abnormal tissue early, often before it becomes dangerous. If you live in Burnaby and haven’t had an oral cancer screening recently, now is the time.

Contact us today to schedule your dental exam with VELscope® oral cancer screening and take a proactive step toward your long-term health.