What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?
A Simple Screening with Life-Saving Potential
An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless exam that allows your dentist to detect early signs of cancerous or precancerous cells in your mouth. At Fortson Dentistry, we perform this screening as part of your comprehensive dental exam, examining your lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, throat, and jaw for unusual lumps, sores, or color changes.
Early detection is the key to successful treatment. Many signs of oral cancer go unnoticed by patients because they’re painless or hard to see. With routine screenings, our dental team can spot abnormalities before they progress, giving you the best chance at early intervention and peace of mind.
Why Do I Need an Oral Cancer Screening?
Your Dentist Can Catch What You Can’t See in the Mirror
Anyone can develop oral cancer, but certain factors—such as tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, HPV infection, or prolonged sun exposure—can increase your risk. Because oral cancer often develops silently without symptoms, routine screenings are essential for early detection and treatment.
Even if you don’t have risk factors, oral cancer screenings should be a part of your routine Comprehensive Dental Exam. Regular screenings provide reassurance and help detect changes in your oral tissues that may otherwise go unnoticed until they become serious health concerns.
Why Choose Fortson Dentistry for Oral Cancer Screenings?
Experienced Dental Professionals
Led by Dr. Cory Fortson, our team has the training and experience to spot the early signs of oral cancer that others might miss.
Advanced Screening Technology
We use modern dental tools and techniques for thorough, precise screenings and fast results.
Personalized, Preventive Approach
Your health is our top priority. We tailor every exam to your individual needs and risk factors as part of your total preventive care plan.
Convenient Lathrup Village Location
Located at 27347 Southfield Rd, Lathrup Village, MI, our friendly practice offers flexible appointment times, including evenings on Wednesdays.
What Should You Expect from an Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral Cancer Screening FAQs for Fortson Dentistry in Lathrup MI
Everyone should have regular oral cancer screenings, but those at higher risk include:
- Tobacco users (smoking or chewing tobacco).
- Heavy alcohol consumers.
- Patients with a family history of oral cancer.
- Individuals with prolonged sun exposure, which can cause lip cancer.
- People with HPV (Human Papillomavirus), which has been linked to oral cancers.
At Fortson Dentistry in Lathrup MI, an oral cancer screening includes:
- Visual Examination – Checking the lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, roof of the mouth, throat, and jaw for red or white patches, sores, lumps, or abnormal tissue changes.
- Physical Palpation – Feeling for unusual lumps or swelling in the mouth, neck, and jaw.
- Advanced Screening Tools (if needed) – We may use special lights or dyes to detect abnormalities that are not visible to the naked eye.
Insurance & Flexible Financing at Fortson Dentistry
Cost shouldn’t keep you from a healthy smile. We welcome Delta Dental® and most major PPO plans and offer flexible financing through CareCredit® and Cherry™, so treatment fits your budget, not the other way around.
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Payment options through Cherry Technologies, Inc. are issued by Cross River Bank, member FDIC. See www.withcherry.com/terms for details.
Questions? Call us or book online and our team will help you every step of the way.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
- $150 -
New patients only. The cost of a New Patient Appointment will be $150. Cannot be combined with any other offer or insurance. Limited time offer. Call (248) 557-8120 for details.