Screening for oral cancer.

Abstract

The incidence of oral cancer appears to be increasing, especially in younger patients. Risk factors include use of tobacco and alcohol, and exposure to human papillomavirus. ViziLite Plus (Zila Pharmaceuticals) is a combination device that uses fluorescent light and toluidine blue tissue staining to help dentists identify abnormal changes in the mucous membranes of the oral cavity. Originally developed for detecting abnormal growths on the uterine cervix, in 2001 it received FDA clearance for "identification, evaluation, and monitoring of oral mucosal abnormalities in a patient population at increased risk for oral cancer." The toluidine blue marking system was cleared for inclusion in 2005.

• Journal: The Medical letter on drugs and therapeutics (Med Lett Drugs Ther) Vol. 51 Issue 1306 Pg. 15-6 (Feb 23 2009) ISSN: 1523-2859 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19229163 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Humans
• Mass Screening
• Mouth Neoplasms (diagnosis)
• Risk Factors