Business, Local News|April 6, 2010 10:33 am

Oral Cancer Awareness

Dr. Robert Phillips of Olio Dental poses with the VELscope device designed to detect oral cancer.

Olio Dental of Fishers, Indiana wants to make you aware of oral cancer. Dr. Robert A. Phillips has your long-term health in mind and wants to educate the public about this deadly killer. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2009 an estimated 35,720 new cases of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer will be diagnosed in the United States, causing approximately 7,600 deaths.

Oral cavity is a type of cancer that starts in the mouth and includes the lips, the inside lining of the lips and cheeks. Oral cavity cancer also includes the teeth, gums and the front two-thirds of the tongue, the floor of the mouth below the tongue, the bony roof of the mouth, and the area behind the wisdom teeth.

Oropharyngeal cancer develops in the part of the throat just behind the mouth, called the oropharynx. This is sometimes called throat cancer and begins where the oral cavity stops. Oropharyngeal includes the base of the back third of the tongue, and the back part of the roof of the mouth, including the tonsils, and the side and back wall of the throat.

The oral cavity and oropharynx have several types of body tissues, and each of these tissues is made up of several types of cells. Different cancers can develop from each type of cell. The differences are very important, because they can influence a person’s treatment options. Oral cancer is typically discovered in the late stages and gives a patient a survival rate of only 22%. If the cancer is detected in the early stages, then the survival rate is around 80% or higher.

The good news is the new device called the VELscope powered by Sapphire. The VELscope is able to detect potential health problems earlier. The FDA and Health Canada recently cleared VELscope for assisting dentists and hygienists in discovering cancerous and precancerous growths that may not be normally apparent during a routine visual exam. The process is completely free of pain and is affordably priced. An increasing number of insurance companies are now covering the cost of the screening due the fact that it cuts cost in the future, helping to save many lives.

If you’re new to the area or haven’t seen a dentist in awhile, take the time to call Olio Dental. A well-trained and friendly staff member will take the time to go over your needs. It could be the call that saves you from undiscovered oral cancer!