vizilite oral cancer screening

Oral cancer screening is a crucial examination performed by a dentist to look for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. The goal is to identify oral cancer early when there is a higher chance for a cure. Screenings are intended to catch the earliest signs of oral cancer before symptoms become apparent to the patient.

The ViziLite Plus uses TBlue, the only form of pharmaceutical-grade toluidine blue. TBlue improves the identification of abnormal lesions in the mouth and throat due to precancerous cells. The ViziLite Plus uses a fluorescent light to help dentists spot abnormal changes in the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.

While many dentists perform an examination of your mouth during a routine dental visit to screen for oral cancer, not all may use advanced screening technologies. At Island Dental Group, we use ViziLite Plus, an enhanced oral cancer screening light technology, to improve the identification of suspicious areas that may not be visible to the naked eye.

• Persistent sores on the face, neck, or mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within two weeks.
• A lump, thickening, or rough spot in or around the mouth.
• Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips.
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue.
• Changes in the way your teeth or dentures fit together.

ViziLite uses a special oral cancer screening light that makes healthy tissue appear dark and abnormal tissue appear white. This contrast helps in identifying suspicious areas that require further examination or biopsy. It’s a simple yet effective tool in the early detection of oral cancer.

The oral cancer screening light, particularly when used as part of the ViziLite Plus system, significantly enhances the dentist’s ability to detect potentially malignant or cancerous lesions at an early stage. While no screening tool is 100% accurate, ViziLite Plus improves the chances of early detection when combined with a traditional visual examination.

ViziLite Plus is not a treatment but a screening tool. If ViziLite Plus or a visual examination reveals any areas of concern, we may take a biopsy of the tissue to further analyze it for cancerous cells. The ViziLite Plus system includes the use of a rinse solution that the patient swishes around their mouth, followed by examination with the ViziLite light. This process makes it easier to spot abnormal tissues that might require further investigation.