 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Jane,
The points Brian makes are right on the money, of course.
The procedures we follow in our office is to first do a very thorough clinical exam. We do a visual and palpation exam and note any red or white areas that are clinically visible. When using the VELscope, these areas will be visible too and we will confirm that what we have seen are not precancerous or cancerous areas as they will not show up as black areas under the light. Any suspicious areas that go away when an instrument is pressed over them are areas of blood.
We have had several areas biopsied and to date, none have come back as cancer.
Hope this helps.
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
| 
