Most people are willing to accept any type of diagnostic test that can help in the finding or preventing of cancer. However, that doesn’t mean that the patient should be left in the dark about how the test works. ViziLite is a new instrument used by the dental community for the purpose of early cancer detection.

In order to understand how ViziLite works, one must first grasp the changes that oral cancer causes.

When normal cells become cancerous, the nuclear DNA within them begins to replicate very quickly, which overloads the cell with the nuclei. A staining solution dries the cells out, which makes it easier to view changes within them. A low-intensity light wand is then passed over the surface of any potentially affected areas to check for changes to the nuclei. Abnormal cells will actually glow under the light, making them stand out from the crowd of normal cells.

The staining solution and light wand should cause no discomfort to the patient. Thus, the test is truly non-invasive and has proven very successful at recognizing potential dangers. TBlue, the stain can be applied with an easy three swab method, so it is used only in the areas of the mouth to be tested.

ViziLite is just one example of the numerous ways the medical and dental communities are working toward early detection and treatment of cancer. With this diagnostic aid, dentists can be quicker to react to potential problems and patients have a better chance of overcoming a cancerous outbreak.

Learn more about this dental tool here