For Immediate Release:

Heading off Oral Cancer – Local Dentist Offers New Pain-free Exam to Help Detect Oral Cancer

(Elmhurst, IL) One American dies every hour from oral cancer. It is one of the deadliest cancers with a 5-year survival rate of 21%, much higher than prostate or cervical cancer, yet Americans are routinely receiving annual PSA and pap smear tests for these two cancers. Until recently, routine tests were not available.

“Early Detection is the key,” says Dr. Ivan Valcarenghi, a world renowned cosmetic dentist who completed a fellowship in oral cancer while in dental school and additional certification for Vizilite (www.vizilite.com) testing. “Most dentists will act when we see oral lesions. This is already too late.” Dentists with additional training are capable of recognizing unusual tissue changes in the mouth or manually checking for growths or unusual lumps and inflamed lymph nodes. “There was never an early cancer detection test, however, and by the time we felt or saw something, it was considered a late diagnosis,” Dr. Valcarenghi explains.

Today we now have new tests that can detect oral cancer before they are clinically detectable. From special lights such as the Vizilite or Velscope, to special chemical solutions or even a simple mouth swab can detect cancer cells at much earlier stages.
Mortality rates decrease significantly. The 5-year survival rate increases to 81%!

Another troubling statistic is that oral cancer is on the rise in sexually active young people from 18-25 years old, even without the usual smoking and alcohol risk factors. There is growing evidence that HPV (human papillomavirus), which is found commonly in the population, is a sexually transmitted virus long associated with cervical cancer that is also associated with oral cancer cases in men and women. This may be the reason for increased oral cancer in young people.

Annual testing is recommended for high risk patients, and baseline testing for every at- risk patient. “The bottom line,” says Dr. “Ivan” “get these tests done. See a dentist that administers these tests. It may save your life!”

For more information, visit www.oralcancerfoundation.org, and www.drivansmiles.com.