Sherrie,

Vizilite is an early oral cancer detection screening test that is based on the same technique (chemiluminescense) that has been use to make pap smears more accurate for several years. The tissue of the cervix and the oral mucosa are just about identical histologically. The test is completed by having the patient rinse with what is basically a dilute vinegar solution for about one minute. This removes the thin layer of glycoproteins that occurs naturally from saliva and coats all of the surfaces in your mouth. Then your mouth is examined with a special light by your dental hygienist and your doctor and any areas where there are atypical cells will glow white. The tissue glows white because the light penetrates the top layers of cells and is reflected back by the enlarged nucleii of any cells that may changing from normal to abnormal. Removing the glycoprotein layer allows the light to penetrate the cells.

Is it worth the money? I believe that it is because right now it is the only tool besides our naked eye to help identify early tissue changes that could be oral cancers. Are there false positives? It is a screening -- it is not diagnostic. All it is saying is to get something checked out. Usually the next step following a positive Vizilite screening would be a brush biopsy, which is a non-invasive biopsy, like a pap-smear, that is diagnostic.

I am an oral cancer survivor and a dental hygienist who speaks to dental practices on implementing an early oral cancer screening program that includes a through visual oral cancer exam, a Vizilite screening, followed by a brush biopsy if necessary. My goal is to have evry dental practice in the country following these three steps. Just so you know, I am not employed by, nor do I receive any compensentaion from Zila Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Vizilite or OralCDx Labs, Inc, the manufacturer of brush biopsies. I am just trying to make a difference in the rates of early diagnosis. I know that Vizilite is not perfect and I know that some dentists won't use it properly, but right now it is the best tool that we have and so it should be used. When something better comes along, then we'll use that.