The VELscope works through tissue fluorescence – an optical phenomenon that causes abnormal tissue to appear a different color.

By regulating the illumination intensity and wavelength output, the VELscope Vx’s patented ‘ring-of-light’ illumination element causes healthy cells in the mouth to fluoresce, emitting a bright green glow. By contrast, potential areas of concern will show a marked lack of fluorescence, appearing dark when viewed against the healthy tissue.

Most people are aware that the fluorescence technology used by VELscope Vx can help a doctor locate oral cancer and premalignant dysplasia. But the fluorescence technology can also help the attending clinician locate lichen planus, lichenoid mucositis, squamous papillomas, candidiasis, viral and bacterial infections as-well-as inflammation from a variety of causes (e.g. trauma) and even salivary gland tumors.