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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.

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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.

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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?

Here’s what happens during an oral cancer screening at Fortson Dentistry:
Visual inspection: Your dentist checks your lips, tongue, cheeks, throat, and the floor of your mouth for sores, red or white patches, and other abnormalities.
Tactile examination: Gently feel your jaw, neck, and inside your mouth for lumps or irregular tissue.
Use of diagnostic tools (if needed): In some cases, we may use specialized lights or rinses to highlight abnormal areas.
Discussion of findings: We explain anything we observe and recommend further testing if necessary.
Personalized recommendations: Lifestyle tips to reduce your oral cancer risk, such as smoking cessation or improved sun protection.
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Why Oral Cancer Screenings Matter

Protect Your Health with a Quick, Life-Saving Screening

Oral cancer is often painless in its early stages, making routine screenings a critical part of preventive dental care. At Fortson Dentistry in Lathrup Village, our oral cancer screenings are quick, non-invasive, and could save your life. Using advanced visual and tactile techniques, Dr. Cory Fortson checks for abnormalities in the gums, tongue, cheeks, and throat—many of which are invisible to the untrained eye.

Screenings are especially vital for patients over 40, tobacco users, alcohol consumers, or anyone with a family history of cancer. By catching signs early, we empower you with options—and peace of mind. Schedule your screening during your next comprehensive exam or routine cleaning to stay ahead of potential risks.

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Ready to Book Your Appointment?

Get the care you need fast at Fortson Dentistry in Lathrup Village. We offer same day and next day appointments, flexible scheduling, insurance-friendly options, and a New Patient Special to get you started.

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Hear It Straight From Our Patients

Dr. T has been very nice to work with. He is very efficient and polite while working on all my various dental services. I also have had a seemless experience with the ladies in the front. Everyone is so thoughtful and kind. I plan to make this my new dentist home.
Ashley H.
My first experience here was everything. Good customer services. The staff was awesome from the beginning to the end. Also I love the diversity between the staff and patients. And love to see how the staff love being there apart of the team a great team I must say
Sydni P.
They treated me and my husband with respect and they were very nice and that was my first time there and we will be going back I love how clean the place was also and the people and the doctors were very nice and patient with us. And thank you. Be blessed.
Katherine W.

Oral Cancer Screening FAQs for Fortson Dentistry in Lathrup MI

What is an oral cancer screening and why is it important?
An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless examination performed by a dentist to detect early signs of oral cancer or precancerous conditions. At Fortson Dentistry in Lathrup MI, we provide thorough oral cancer screenings to identify abnormalities before they become serious, increasing the chances of successful treatment.
Who should get an oral cancer screening?

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.
What happens during an oral cancer screening?

At Fortson Dentistry in Lathrup MI, an oral cancer screening includes:

  1. 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.
  2. Physical Palpation – Feeling for unusual lumps or swelling in the mouth, neck, and jaw.
  3. Advanced Screening Tools (if needed) – We may use special lights or dyes to detect abnormalities that are not visible to the naked eye.
Is an oral cancer screening painful?
No, an oral cancer screening is completely painless and takes just a few minutes during your routine dental exam.
Why choose Fortson Dentistry in Lathrup MI for oral cancer screenings?
At Fortson Dentistry, we prioritize early detection and prevention with advanced screening methods to ensure your long-term oral health. Our experienced team provides thorough, painless screenings as part of your routine dental visits.

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.

We Accept Your Insurance
Now offering payment plans with

Payment options through Cherry Technologies, Inc. are issued by Cross River Bank, member FDIC. See www.withcherry.com/terms for details.

Fortson Dentistry is proud to accept
CareCredit logo featuring a green stylized leaf made of three curved shapes on the left, followed by the word 'CareCredit' written in dark green and teal letters with a small superscript SM trademark symbol

Questions? Call us or book online and our team will help you every step of the way.

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New Patient Specials
- $150 -
New Patient Exam, X-rays

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.

Thank you for booking your appointment!

We’ve received your request and will contact you soon to confirm the details. We look forward to seeing you at Fortson Dentistry South Lathrup.

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