Identafi 3000 & Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer screenings are a very important part of the dental visit for the patient. With the advances in modern technology, we are now able to pinpoint the start of a potential problem much earlier in its evolution. The ability to do so is extremely important in being able to treat any issues prior to them becoming a major irreversible problem.
Oral cancer is often detected late in development, when the possibility of metastasis is much greater.
Like most cancers, cancer of the lip and oral cavity is best treated when found early - when cure rates are greater than 80%.
The signs and symptoms of oral cancer are often missed by the naked eye. With its technology, Identafi allows those on the front line of detection to do just that - identify biochemical and morphological changes in cells of the mouth, throat, tongue and tonsils.
The five-year mortality rate of Oral Cancer is higher than, cervical cancer and prostate cancer, and kills one person every hour of every day.
The Identafi 3000 uses white, violet and amber wavelengths of light to excite oral tissue in distinct and unique ways. As a result, biochemical changes can be monitored with fluorescence, while morphological changes can be monitored with reflectance.
The combined system of fluorescence and reflectance uses the body's natural tissue properties as an adjunctive tool for oral mucosal examination. By examining your mouth for oral cancer, you can have the peace of mind of knowing your tissue appears healthy. If the Identafi does show any changes, we recommend seeing an oral surgeon for further evaluation.
Certain lifestyle choices can have a great impact on the health of tissues and your overall health in the mouth. If you are a smoker or heavy drinker, make sure to get regular screenings when you visit the dentist.