Huntington dentist, Dentist in Huntington, WV

Oral Cancer Screening

& Oral CDx Diagnostics

Our office routinely performs an Oral Cancer Visual Screening not only at the initial patient dental visit/exam, but all Recare/recall and Periodic Exams/visits as well. Hopefully, any detected oral lesion (sore, red spot, white spot, ulceration, etc) will be a negative finding for pathology, there are lesions that may be pre-cancerous or cancerous. If a suspected area or lesion persists for more than 14 days upon re-examination, we generally suggest and perform a brush biopsy procedure using the Oral CDx diagnostic system.

Smoking, especially combined with heavy alcohol consumption (30 drinks a week or more), is the primary risk factor for oral cancer. In fact, this combination is estimated to be the most likely trigger in about 75 percent of oral cancers diagnosed in this country. Other lifestyle and environmental factors also may increase your risk of developing oral cancer.

The Oral CDx diagnostic protocol can now painlessly detect unhealthy cells years before they can cause any harm. OralCDx's oral brush biopsy allows dentists and other medical professionals to easily and painlessly test common, harmless-looking, unexplained red and white spots that may in fact be precancer or cancer.

Video: Oral Cancer Prevention Video: Oral Cancer Discussion Video: Oral Cancer Screening

Who should have a ViziLite Plus exam?

The American Cancer Society recommends that patients have a complete soft tissue examination (standard visual exam) at least once a year.

ViziLite Plus is used as part of an annual oral screening for patients at increased risk for oral cancer. Your dental professional may recommend a ViziLite Plus examination more frequently depending on your individual risk factors.

Oral Cancer Risk by Patient Profile:

Increased Risk:

Patients age 18-39 with no lifestyle risk factors