DenMat has introduced the ViziLite Pro oral lesion screening system, which dentists can incorporate into the conventional head and neck exam to screen for oral cancer in the dental office.
DenMat has introduced ViziLite Pro, its latest product in light-based fluorescence technology. The ViziLite Pro oral lesion screening system provides a fast approach to detecting epithelial dysplasia, even in its earliest stages.Oral cancer statistics are changing, and not for the better. In 2015, there were approximately 45,700 diagnosed cases of oral cancer in the United States; this year, the projection is 48,250. (1-3) Worldwide, the problem is far greater with new cases exceeding 450,000annually. (4) The five-year survival rates for oral cancer victims increase dramatically from 57% to 83% when oral abnormalities are discovered early. (4) During earlier stages, less invasive treatments may prove successful, and both peace of mind and quality of life may improve for the patient. Oral abnormalities in their early stages are easy to miss with the naked eye, but dental professionals have an opportunity to catch them early on with some help from adjunctive screening technology.
For more than 10 years, clinicians have been using fluorescence technology as a means of enhancing the visualization of oral mucosa to enable the earliest possible discovery of potentially malignant and cancerous lesions. Numerous studies have been published on the topic of fluorescence visualization, and the ViziLite Pro device has been engineered to operate within the optimal wavelength for discrimination of oral lesions. Fluorescence visualization with ViziLite Pro provides completely new visual information that is fundamentally different from what clinicians see when they look at reflected light from a white, chemiluminescent, or other type of light source.
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A ViziLite Pro screening is easy for the clinician and painless for the patient, and it adds approximately one minute to the conventional head and neck exam. Once the clinician activates the ViziLite Pro device, five shortwave, violet-output LEDs generate biofluorescence and enhance visualization in the oral cavity, without requiring the operatory lights to be dimmed. Abnormal tissues appear as dark areas among the bright fluorescence of surrounding healthy tissues. An optical viewing filter enhances visualization and improves contrast between healthy and abnormal tissue. Lack of fluorescence reveals damaged or abnormal cells before they may be noticed visually using a normal clinical exam light. For those seeking to photo-document areas of concern, a camera adapter is available through referral from DenMat.
The ViziLite Pro's cordless, ergonomic handle is comfortable and easy for the clinician to hold. Lightweight aluminum housing serves as a natural heat sink, which eliminates the need for an internal fan and provides quiet operation. A custom battery pack is protected from overcharging, overdischarging, and short-circuiting by means of a built-in safety circuit. On a fully charged battery, clinicians can perform more than 100 one-minute examinations, improving clinical efficiency. Single-use protective lens covers prevent cross-contamination at a cost of less than $1 per patient, minimizing consumable costs.
“For the past decade, DenMat has been a big believer in increasing awareness of the importance of early oral cancer detection,” explained Robert Cartagena, chief operating officer. “Our new ViziLite Pro expands our portfolio within this space, and helps us drive towards our simple goal of providing dental professionals with an oral cancer screening solution that suits the dynamics of their practices. By delivering a screening system that is easily implemented in a dental practice, more patients will have access to this potentially life-saving exam. It’s really a win-win for the patient and the dental office. A quick, easy and painless examination may very well increase the likelihood of early detection, and end up saving lives.”
ViziLite Pro is the latest part of DenMat’s Soft Tissue Management system and Continuing Education platform, playing a key role in helping clinicians discover potentially harmful oral abnormalities, often long before they’d be detected with conventional methods.
References
1. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2014. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2014.
2. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2015. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2015.
3. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2016. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2016.
4. Oral cancer facts. Oral Cancer Foundation website. http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/facts. Updated September 26, 2016.
Source: DenMat press release, 22 November 2016
