Oral cancer is on the rise in the United States and it is not because of cigarettes, cigars, or chew! Lately oral cancer is being caused by the sexually transmitted disease HPV. HPV (or human papilloma virus) is the same thing as warts on the hands or the feet, and the same thing as a venereal wart. Yes –ewww!!

A venereal wart in the mouth! Like the other kinds of viruses that affect humans, HPV viruses are transmitted via contact with the virus from other humans. The type of HPV that is in the group of STD's is of course transmitted by intimate contact. There is no sexual predilection for this virus. It can be transmitted from humans of the same sex, opposite sex, or from one area to another on the same human.

The virus once transmitted, if found to be of the cancer causing variety can lead to oral cancer. This type of cancer is known as squamous cell carcinoma, a very rapid growing cancer, and if not caught early in its progression can be very deadly. One of the leading technologically advanced ways we catch early stages of oral cancer is a rapid screening technique called a Velscope light reflective exam.

The Velscope light is used in the complete oral exam, it reflects back to the clinician as a positive or negative light reflection. If positive, the exam can be used to help the clinician decide if further treatment is necessary such as a brush biopsy or an excisional biopsy. This Velscope Light technology is on the leading edge of early diagnosis of oral cancer, and is used at Franklin Dental.

Be sure to get a check up every 6 months to maintain your oral health and screen for oral cancer.