Oral Cancer Screening

MENLO PARK DENTIST, JOSEPH SARKOSH DDS

How ViziLite Works

ViziLite is an oral lesion identification and marking system that is used as an adjunct to dental examination. It is comprised of a chemiluminescent light source (ViziLite) to improve the identification of lesions and a dye to mark those lesions identified by ViziLite. ViziLite is designed to be used in a patient population at increased risk for oral cancer.

ViziLite can assist a dentist or hygienist in identifying an abnormality in the oral cavity.

Early Detection is Critical

Dentists and hygienists are the best overall defense against oral cancer – they are, in fact, a lifesaver. No other medical professionals are as well positioned to address this potentially deadly disease at its earliest stage. The key is to identify oral abnormalities at their most easily treated stage of development.

Fortunately, there's a simple technology to help in the fight against oral cancer. ViziLite aids in the early identification of oral abnormalities that can lead to cancer. Cleared by the FDA, ViziLite allows Dr. Joseph Sarkosh to offer superior care his patients. Annual or Bi-annual ViziLite exams can be integrated with your check up appointments.

ViziLite Oral Screening Protocol and Risk Factors

It is recommended that ViziLite be used annually or bi-annually to all new and check-up adult patients . Patients with a history of oral cancer should receive at least semi-annual ViziLite Plus exams.

Age is the primary risk factor for oral cancer. Approximately 90% of oral cancer victims are age 40 and older, recent studies indicate that increasingly, patients younger than age 40 are being diagnosed with oral cancer. Though tobacco and alcohol use are the primary lifestyle risk factors that contribute to the development of oral cancer, approximately 25% of oral cancer victims do not use tobacco or alcohol, and have no lifestyle risk factors. Oral cancer affects men more than women; 2:1, but oral cancer in women is on the rise nationwide.

WHO'S AT RISK?

Fact: 27% of oral cancers occur in people who don’t smoke and have no other risk factors.

Increased risk

Patients age 18-39
Sexually active (HPV 16/18)*

High risk

Patients age 40 and older
Tobacco users (any type, age 18 - 39, within 10 years)

Highest risk

Patients age 40 and older with lifestyle risk factors
Tobacco, alcohol
Patients with history of oral cancer