Web Exclusive | August 2008

Screening Aides | Oral cancer screening devices

These screening tools help clinicians spot potential problems earlier than ever before.

By Renee Knight

When it comes to finding oral cancer, clinicians now have a few options that go beyond the traditional head and neck exam. The VELscope Vantage, the ViziLite Plus with TBlue and the Orascoptic DK are all designed to help clinicians spot lesions they couldn’t see with the naked eye—leading to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
These products don’t diagnose cancer; that’s up to the specialists. But they do spot potential problems when used as adjuncts to those traditional exams, helping to save lives. We recently spoke with the companies behind these tools to find out why they should be part of the annual screenings you perform in your office. Here’s the break down:

VELscope Vantage | LED Dental

	“VELscope is not intended to prove a patient is sick. It ensures patients are healthy. That’s a really big difference. The majority of exams don’t require a referral to a specialist.” Angus MacDonnell, National Sales Manager for LED Dental

What it does: This oral cancer screening system “interrogates” the tissue by emitting a blue light into the cavity that excites the tissue. The cells release fluorescence when they’re in this excited state. Abnormal tissue typically appears as an irregular dark area; normal tissue has a green fluorescence pattern. This helps clinicians see potential problems they wouldn’t have caught with the naked eye.

Highlights:
• No rinses, stains or dyes required
• Doesn’t interfere with other planned procedures
• Hygienists can perform the exam if they have adequate training
• It only takes 2-3 minutes to complete an exam
• Features powerful lamp technology and high-quality camera imaging
• Comes with a universal camera adaptor kit for digital photography
• Access to CE related to using the system as well a training package
• Offers efficient, seamless operation and is easy to use

Tips:
• Read the educational materials and watch the training DVD before using VELscope to ensure the best results
• Make sure your patients know that this product doesn’t only pick up oral cancer; it finds various tissue abnormalities that may or may not be concerning
• Remember if you find something suspicious, that doesn’t mean it’s oral cancer. This product does not diagnose. It’s a discovery tool.   

Want to learn more?
Visit VELscope.com or call 888-541-4614


ViziLite Plus with TBlue | Zila Pharmaceuticals

	“The company’s mission is to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with this disease. We have the team in place to help these practices make that happen.” Jeff Mazzarella, Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Zila

What it does: This device uses a chemiluminescent light source to help clinicians spot abnormalities they couldn’t see with the unaided eye. A blue phenothiazine dye, known as TBlue, marks any lesions the light source finds. The deep blue staining makes it possible to clearly see the lesions in normal lighting.

Highlights:
•The TBlue marking system is said to reduce false positives
•The marking system improves the quality of referrals and clinician confidence
•Limits the amount of time clinicians unnecessarily worry their patients
•TBlue pharmaceutical grade dye is packaged in an easy-to-use three swab system
•The single-use, disposable system minimizes the potential for cross contamination
•Packaged in convenient multi-dose trays, so it can be used in multiple treatment rooms
•A team of trained specialists help clinicians incorporate this efficient, proven device into their practice

Tips:
•For optimal screening, dim or turn off the lights before using this product. If that’s not an option, Zila also offers specially designed eye wear.
•Make sure the patient vigorously rinses with the mild acetic acid solution for at least 30 seconds before the screening
•Use practice support materials to make sure patients 18 and older are offered a screening—as an adjunct to the traditional head and neck exam—once a year.

Want to learn more?
Visit ViziLite.com or call 866-945-2776


Orascoptic DK | Orascoptic, a Kerr Co.

	“This helps you see lesions as early as possible so you can recommend treatment and get a biopsy done. There’s a much higher cure rate for oral cancer if it’s identified early.” James Onderak, Director of Marketing and New Product Development for Orascoptic

What it does: This three-in-one diagnostic kit includes a battery-powered LED light source and three interchangeable diagnostic instruments. The oral lesion screening instrument works with a mild acetic acid rinse that agitates the membranes of misplaced cells. It enlarges these cells and makes them more reflective to blue light. The abnormal cells will appear white, making them easier for clinicians to see.

Highlights:
• LED light provides a bright and constant energy source
• The light’s power is uniform throughout the wand
• Lasts as long as necessary to complete the exam, which only takes about 5 minutes
• Comes with six single-dose rinses and a 45-day free trial period
• The kit also includes a LED light source with batteries, an oral cancer screening instrument, a lighted mirror instrument, a transillumination instrument, and an educational display for the waiting room
• All diagnostic instruments are autoclavable
• The transilluminator helps dental professionals look for cracks and caries, adding value to the kit

Tips:
• After the patient rinses and the lights are dimmed, circle the mouth with the wand
• Be sure to read the instructions before starting
• A mouth map comes with the kit that clinicians can use to mark any lesions they find, helping specialists find the area that needs biopsied

Want to learn more?
Visit orascoptic.com or call 800-369-3698