Posted: Thu 3:06 PM, Sep 21, 2006

New Technology Detects Oral Cancer Sooner

Every hour an American dies from oral cancer.

Now some dentists are using new technology to catch the killer as early as possible.

That early detection is key.

If caught early, oral cancer is one of the most curable cancers.

The problem is, there are not any initial symptoms.

By the time the patient starts to feel symptoms, it is too late.

So dentists are now doing more than a traditional oral screening to find cancer.

They are also doing something called a Vizilite Exam. “Vizilite helps us detect oral cancer at a very early stage where it would not be noticeable to the naked eye.” Dr. Hammad Khan explained. “Anything that is abnormal, unhealthy soft tissue will appear white, where normal healthy tissue will reflect the light.”

Here is how the Vizilite exam works:

  • Dentists use a rinse to dry the tissue in the mouth.

  • Then, using a special glow stick and glasses, the dentist can find abnormalities.

  • Vizilite is not covered by all insurance companies. If you want to have the test done, talk about it with your dentist.

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