ORAL CANCER SCREENING WITH VELSCOPE
Dr. Brittain uses the advanced VELscope technology to give patients a thorough oral cancer screening. The VELscope procedure is completely painless, takes approximately two minutes to perform, and can be a part of regular check-ups in our practice. Dr. Brittain recommends at least two oral cancer screenings per year for patients who use tobacco products or have a family history of cancer, and at least one screening a year for those who do not use tobacco products.
The most common symptoms of oral cancer include:
• Swellings/thickenings, lumps or bumps, rough spots/crusts/or eroded areas on the lips, gums, or other areas inside the mouth
• The development of velvety white, red, or speckled (white and red) patches in the mouth
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
• Unexplained numbness, loss of feeling, or pain/tenderness in any area of the face, mouth, or neck
• Persistent sores on the face, neck, or mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within 2 weeks
• A soreness or feeling similarly to something caught in the back of the throat
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw/tongue
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