Using detection tools to prevent oral cancer: A product roundup

Dentists and hygienists are playing a crucial role in early detection of oral cancer, and for good reason. About 49,670 people will be diagnosed with oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer this year alone, according to the American Cancer Society, and an estimated 9,700 people will die of these cancers.

While the overall rate of new cases of oral cancer has been stable in men and dropping slightly in women, the American Cancer Society notes that there has been a rise in cases of oropharyngeal cancer in both men and women linked to infection with HPV. Being able to detect and treat these cancers in their early stages is key and can lead to noninvavise treatments and higher survival rates for patients.

Related reading: The importance of oral cancer screening in the dental practice 

Fortunately, oral cancer detection tools continue to evolve and take advantage of the latest technology. From utilizing specific wavelengths of light to implementing fluorescence visualization technology to incorporating imaging technology, these devices are enabling clinicians to detect oral diseases early on and help stop them from spreading. Ensuring the entire dental team has the necessary education and training to understand and use these oral cancer tools is critical and can be a key aspect of providing effective patient care.

Click through the slides to view some of the top oral cancer sensors available today.

Bio/Screen Oral Examination Light

The Bio/Screen Oral Examination Light by AdDent Inc., is said to be a new and improved oral cancer biofluorescence screening device. This device can reportedly be used in full room light due to its exceptionally powerful shortwave LEDs. It is made of lightweight aluminum and ergonomically designed for comfort and ease of use. Special optical filters are engineered to improve the contrast between healthy and abnormal tissue to improve visualization of potential problems at an early stage.

AdDent Inc.
855-211-3413  |  addent.com
 

DOS SE oral exam system

The DOS SE is said to be a small yet extremely powerful fluorescent imaging system. With patent-pending LED Beam technology and a high-contrast fluorescence viewer, it reportedly enables both intra and extraoral access for early detection of both HPV and traditional viruses associated with oral cancer without the need for rinsing the mouth. The DOS SE also comes with low-cost disposable barrier sleeves, allowing dentists and hygienists to perform affordable and effective routine oral exams.

DentLight
800-763-6901  |  dentlight.com
 

Identafi^®

The Identafi oral cancer screening system reportedly dramatically enhances the appearance of suspicious tissue. The product is said to use three wavelengths of light, revealing mucosal abnormalities that may lead to oral cancer or premalignant dysplasia that may not be apparent to the naked eye during traditional screenings. Identafi’s compact design is engineered to make it easy to inspect hard-to-reach areas and fit seamlessly into existing screening routines.

DentalEZ
866-DTE-INFO |  identafi.net
 

OralID^™

OralID, a simple and efficient oral cancer screening device, was reportedly designed to innovate the current fluorescence oral screening devices on the market. Designed to screen every patient, OralID is said to be the only product that has no per patient costs. A proprietary SmartFilterID^™ is engineered to easily photo document lesions with any smart device.

Forward Science
855-696-7254  |  forwardscience.com

“Most all of our patients have really enjoyed the fact that we are using new technology and that we really are taking oral cancer screening seriously and care about our patients’ health.”
- Dr. J. Phillips, DDS

VELscope^® Vx

Cordless and compact, the VELscope Vx reportedly implements fluorescence visualization technology to detect oral disease, including cancer. Used as an adjunct to routine oral soft-tissue exams, this product is said to be completely noninvasive. VELscope Vx is battery-operated and rechargeable and compatible with the Vx Camera System and standard digital cameras for photo documentation. An Imaging Adapter is engineered to be combined with a custom-designed Apple iPod 6 Touch holder and a state-of-the-art application to make framing and acquiring images simple.

LED Dental
844-952-7327  |  leddental.com