Oral Cancer Screening

We now know that oral cancer claims one life every hour in the U.S. and the mortality rate has not changed significantly in over 40 years. This disease is of great concern to Dr. Higham and Dr. Sauchelli because oral cancer is very curable when discovered early.

Michael Douglas announced last August that he was being treated for late stage throat cancer. Unfortunately this type of cancer is becoming more common. Smoking and drinking are risk factors for this disease but oral cancer can also be caused by viral infections, particularly human papillomavirus (HPV). Many reports suggest that head and neck cancer, particularly tongue cancer, is also increasing among young adults. Earlier this month, Michael Douglas did report that after 7 weeks of intense radiation and chemotherapy the tumor can no longer be detected.

Because early detection is the key to successful outcomes, our practice has incorporated ViziLite, an FDA cleared technology for oral screening to ensure that you receive the most comprehensive oral cancer screening possible. ViziLite is to oral screening what mammogram, PAP smear and PSA test are to breast, cervical and prostate screenings, respectively.

ViziLite is a simple, painless and non-invasive instrument that improves the doctor’s ability to visualize, evaluate and monitor suspicious areas at their earliest stages. ViziLite helps the doctors see what they might not see with the unaided eye.

After a standard visual and physical oral cancer exam, ViziLite gives us the highest level of confidence that we are providing our patients with the most thorough oral cancer screening available.

We will be offering this enhanced oral cancer exam to you annually at your recare appointments.