In the last newsletter we talked about The OraRisk® HPV Test. The OraRisk® HPV test is a non-invasive, easy-to-use screening tool to identify the type(s) of oral HPV, a mucosal viral infection that could potentially lead to oral cancer. We considered using this test as a way to screen for high-risk oral cancer carriers; also to promote an awareness of oral HPV, thereby, reducing the spread of the virus among our population. The test would cost $125 (an out-of-pocket expense to you) and it would be done through Quest Diagnostics. After discussing the benefit-to-cost ratio among our team, we are not completely convinced that providing this test annually would truly benefit our patients. At our office, we provide an oral cancer screening at every hygiene visit and an oral cancer screening test (VELscope®) once a year. Under examination with the VELscope®System, abnormal tissue typically appears as an irregular, dark area that stands out against the otherwise normal, green fluorescence pattern of surrounding healthy tissue. Regardless of whether a person has HPV or not, we are already looking for oral cancer. So, should we have ANOTHER test to check solely for HPV? At this time, we are leaning towards NO. We would appreciate your feedback on this matter, thank you.
