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Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer screening services at Dawson Dental is a critical part of our oral health care services. We screen for it in all at-risk patients, using a tool that allows us to detect oral cancer earlier than ever before.

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About Oral Cancer

Oral cancer causes many deaths across Canada, often due to late diagnosis. Because early stages are hard to spot, treatment is frequently delayed until the cancer has advanced.

Age is the most significant risk factor, though tobacco use is also a major contributor. However, many diagnosed patients have no known lifestyle risk factors, meaning anyone can be affected.

Early detection is key to better outcomes, but oral cancer is not visible until late in about 70% of cases.

Oral Cancer Screening

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We invite you to book an appointment so we can better understand your dental concerns, explore treatment options, and answer any questions you may have. We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your best smile!

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Oral Cancer Screening

Our team prioritizes early diagnosis through routine screenings using the FDA-cleared VELscope system, which highlights abnormalities invisible to the naked eye. It is the only medical device that the FDA has cleared for the identification of oral abnormalities in patients with an increased risk for oral cancer.

Risk Categories:

  • Increased Risk: Ages 18–39 without lifestyle risk factors.
  • High Risk: Ages 40+ without lifestyle risks or 18–39 with risks.
  • Highest Risk: Ages 65+ with lifestyle risks or history of oral cancer.

Lifestyle risk factors for oral cancer include tobacco use of any kind (at any age within the last 10 years), daily alcohol consumption of one or more drinks, immune deficiencies such as HIV/AIDS, and infection with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV types 16 and 18).

How VELscope Screening Works

VELscope technology assists us in seeing abnormal tissue in the mouth before it is plainly obvious. VELscope uses natural tissue fluorescence to discover abnormalities. It is an extremely effective aid for discovering and defining the extent of a wide range of abnormalities, including oral cancer.

  • Takes less than five minutes to complete
  • Minimally-invasive – there is no rinse or dye necessary
  • Photo documentation

The purpose of using VELscope is to identify tissue changes at their earliest stage; once abnormal tissue has been identified, it is up to your dental professional to determine what the appropriate next steps are.

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