In an earlier blog post on June 8 about oral cancer, I stated that I would be making another report on an upcoming visit to the dentist. Yesterday afternoon I had my appointment with Virginia Kirkland, D.M.D., M.S. in Alpharetta, GA that was set up by Zila Pharmaceuticals for me to have a ViziLite exam for oral cancer. Dr Kirkland and her staff were very professional, courteous, and thorough. I sat down with Dr Kirkland and got a little educational background on how ways to do early detection of oral cancer have improved with Vizilite and the North Point Periodontics office with Dr Kirkland and Dr Allen French offers this easy exam to all of their patients as part of a yearly exam and early detection program.
As is the case with most cancers, 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, 27% 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. Many reports suggest that head and neck cancer, particular tongue cancer, is increasing among young adults.
The test took about 5 minutes and it involved no pain or discomfort. The first step is to rinse your mouth with a solution for one minute. The solution itself tasted a little like a raspberry vinaigrette but was not anything bad. That solution dries the cells in your mouth making it easier for the Vizilite to detect any abnormal cells that might develop into oral cancer. Dr Kirkland moved the little plastic glow wand throughout my mouth and around my gums, under my lips and around my tongue. Then she followed it up with the standard procedure of feeling around in my mouth and gum area and neck area. The experience was quick, educational, and did not involve any discomfort.
Ask your health care provider about receiving a quick and painless exam that could help save your life and make it a part of your yearly health exam. Oh and by the way, I had no signs of cancer cells and had a 100% clean exam. Well except for one cavity area.
Patients diagnosed with early stage oral cancer are usually examined by their doctor for suspicious areas in the mouth and throat area. A study was conducted that tested two diagnostic aids in evaluating lesions in the oral cavity.
