Oral cancer is a silent but deadly health issue that affects thousands of Americans each year. In 2023, the United States braced itself for an estimated 54,540 new cases of oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer. Men are more than twice as likely to be affected as women, and white people slightly more so than black people.
The good news is that early detection can lead to less aggressive treatment, improving both quality of life and the overall 5-year survival rate. This is where oral cancer detection systems come in – they are the unsung heroes in the battle against this devastating disease.
In this article, we’ll shine a spotlight on the leading suppliers of oral cancer detection systems in the USA and explore their innovative technologies. We’ll also discuss the crucial role dental providers play in early detection and the importance of regular checkups.
The Frontline Warriors: Top Oral Cancer Detection Systems in the USA
Several companies in the USA have developed advanced systems to aid in the early detection of oral cancer. Here are three of the top systems:
1. Identafi Oral Cancer Screening System by Henry Schein Dental
Henry Schein Dental’s Identafi Oral Cancer Screening System uses cutting-edge multi-spectral fluorescence and reflection technology. This acts like a magnifying glass for mucosal abnormalities, such as oral cancer or premalignant dysplasia, that might otherwise go unnoticed.
The system uses three distinct color wavelengths, making it easier to distinguish lesion morphology and vasculature. It’s like having a high-tech flashlight during both conventional and specialized oral examinations.
2. ViziLite TBlue Annual Oral Cancer Screening System by DenMat
DenMat’s ViziLite TBlue Annual Oral Cancer Screening System is another powerful tool in the fight against oral cancer. This system helps oral healthcare professionals identify, evaluate, monitor, and mark abnormal oral cell lesions that are suspicious for pathology.
A clinical study has shown that the use of ViziLite TBlue after a conventional visual examination resulted in no false negative outcomes. In other words, ViziLite TBlue didn’t miss a single lesion that had precancerous or cancerous cells.
3. Viome’s CancerDetect Oral & Throat
Viome’s CancerDetect Oral & Throat is a game-changer in the detection of oral and throat cancers. It’s the first early detection throat and oral cancer test kit that you can use in the comfort of your own home.
The test uses the expression level of human genes and microbial species in the saliva sample to detect molecular features associated with oral and throat cancers. It’s recommended for use in adults with an elevated risk for oral & throat cancer, such as those aged 50 or older or those with a history of smoking.
| System | Technology | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Identafi | Multi-spectral fluorescence and reflection | Uses 3 color wavelengths to distinguish lesions |
| ViziLite TBlue | Chemiluminescent light | Identifies abnormal lesions, no false negatives |
| CancerDetect | Gene expression in saliva | At-home test kit for high-risk individuals |
These three systems are like the Avengers of oral cancer detection. They provide healthcare professionals with powerful tools to identify and monitor potential oral cancer lesions, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
The Power of Light: Light-Based Detection Systems
In addition to the systems mentioned above, light-based detection systems such as ViziLite, Microlux TM/DL, and VELscope have emerged as promising tools in the early detection of oral cancer. These systems use optical technologies to provide real-time assessments, offering a minimally invasive route for spotting oral cancer early.
ViziLite: A Beacon in the Dark
ViziLite is a chemiluminescent light system recommended for the early detection of oral cancer. It’s designed to improve the visualization of early oral mucosal lesions, enhancing the effectiveness of traditional oral exams.
In a study of 100 patients, ViziLite increased the visibility of oral lesions to about 60%, identifying all the lesions that were previously visible with standard light. This suggests ViziLite could be valuable in the early detection of oral cancer, especially for high-risk patients.
Microlux TM/DL: A Guiding Light
Microlux TM/DL is another light-based detection system that has shown potential in detecting oral cancer. It’s a battery-powered diffused blue-white LED light source used to examine the oral mucosa. A study found that Microlux DL had a sensitivity of 77.8% and a specificity of 70.7% in detecting dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
VELscope: A Ray of Hope
VELscope is an autofluorescence-based handheld device used for detecting dysplasia and OSCC. It’s been found to have a sensitivity range of 22% to 100% and a specificity range of 16% to 100% in detecting malignancy and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD).
However, while VELscope has shown promise in detecting oral precursor malignant lesions, its specificity has been reported to be lower compared to conventional oral examination (COE). This suggests that while VELscope can be useful in oral cancer screening, it may not be suitable as a standalone tool for routine screening.
Light-based detection systems offer promising avenues for the early detection of oral cancer. However, their efficacy varies, and they should be used together with traditional oral exams for best results. As with any medical technology, it’s crucial to stay updated with the latest research to ensure the most effective use of these tools.
The Unsung Heroes: Dental Providers
Dental providers are the unsung heroes in the fight against oral cancer. Regular dental checkups serve as a golden opportunity for an oral cancer exam, potentially detecting early signs of this life-threatening disease. However, the path to effective oral cancer detection isn’t without its hurdles, including the pressing need for education among dental professionals.
The Power of Regular Checkups
Imagine walking into your dentist’s office for your routine checkup. As you settle into the dental chair, your dentist begins the exam, not just looking for cavities but also for signs of oral cancer. This scenario plays out daily in dental offices across the USA, highlighting the critical role dentists play in early oral cancer detection.
In fact, dentists in private practice are able to detect the majority of suspected malignant changes in the oral mucosa. This is because dentists are trained to perform comprehensive oral exams, which include screening for oral cancer. They look for changes in tissue color, texture, and shape, as well as any unusual lumps or sores.
The Challenge: Education and Awareness
Despite the potential for early detection, several studies indicate a gap in knowledge among dentists when it comes to oral cancer. This lack of awareness and education among healthcare providers is a global issue, and it’s one of the current challenges in oral cancer detection.
For instance, while most dentists correctly identify the oral tongue and floor of the mouth as the two most common sites of oral cavity cancer, only 56% correctly identify the most common presentation. Furthermore, only 9.9% of dentists discussed the risk factors of oral cancer with their patients, and 33% were not familiar with resources for smoking cessation and alcohol abuse.
The Solution: Training and Continued Education
To bridge this knowledge gap, there’s a desperate need for systemic educational updates in oral cancer prevention and early detection. Dentists can increase survival rates if a cancerous lesion is detected at an early stage, or if a precursor lesion (dysplasia) is discovered and treated prior to malignant progression.
Moreover, dentists play a crucial role in educating their patients about the risks associated with tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and other lifestyle factors that contribute to oral cancer. They provide guidance on quitting tobacco, reducing alcohol intake, and adopting a healthy lifestyle.
The Impact: A Lifesaving Difference
By actively participating in oral cancer detection and prevention, dentists can make a life-saving difference. If a dentist detects any suspicious lesions or abnormalities during an oral exam, they may refer the patient to an oral surgeon or oncologist for further evaluation and diagnosis. Dentists collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care and appropriate management of oral cancer cases.
Dental providers play a pivotal role in the early detection of oral cancer. Through regular checkups, comprehensive oral exams, continued education, and patient education, they can help catch this deadly disease in its early stages, significantly improving the chances of successful treatment and survival.
Conclusion
Early detection of oral cancer is vital for effective treatment and improved survival rates. Suppliers of oral cancer detection systems, such as Henry Schein Dental, DenMat, and Viome, play a crucial role in providing effective tools for early detection. Light-based systems like ViziLite, Microlux TM/DL, and VELscope also show promise, though they should be used in conjunction with traditional exams.
Dental providers are the unsung heroes in this battle, as regular dental checkups provide a prime opportunity for oral cancer screening. However, there is a pressing need for education and awareness among dental professionals to ensure they are equipped to detect and prevent oral cancer effectively.
As a society, we must prioritize oral cancer awareness and prevention. This includes encouraging regular dental check-ups, promoting self-examinations, and supporting continued research and development of innovative detection technologies. By working together – suppliers, dental providers, and the public – we can shine a light on oral cancer and save countless lives.
Leading suppliers of Oral Cancer Detection Systems in 2024 include companies like LED Dental with their VELscope system, Forward Science with OralID, and Identafi by DentalEZ, all offering advanced technologies for early oral cancer detection.
Innovative technologies used in Oral Cancer Detection Systems include fluorescence visualization, which helps in identifying abnormal tissue growth, and multispectral imaging that enhances the contrast between normal and abnormal tissues.
Oral Cancer Detection Systems improve early diagnosis by enabling dental professionals to detect potentially malignant lesions at an earlier stage, which is crucial for successful treatment outcomes and patient survival rates.
Yes, many Oral Cancer Detection Systems are designed to be integrated with other dental equipment, allowing for a seamless workflow and comprehensive patient care within dental practices.
The benefits for patients include non-invasive, painless examinations, quick detection of abnormalities, and potentially life-saving early diagnosis of oral cancer, leading to earlier intervention and better prognosis.
