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Early detection of oral cancer can significantly increase your chances of successful treatment.
Regular self-examinations are an important way to catch potential issues early, making it easier to seek timely medical attention if needed.
This blog outlines an 8-step oral cancer screening you can perform at home to stay proactive about your health.
Table of Contents
- What Does Oral Cancer Look Like?
- 8-Step Oral Cancer Screening
- Common Symptoms of Oral Cancer
- Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
- When to Seek Professional Advice
- Schedule a Comprehensive Oral Exam
You can perform an oral cancer screening at home by checking your face, neck, lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, mouth floor, palate, and throat for sores, lumps, or color changes. If you notice any persistent symptoms like a mouth ulcer, unexplained lumps, or sore throat lasting over two weeks, schedule a professional oral exam immediately.
What Does Oral Cancer Look Like?
Oral cancer may present as persistent mouth ulcers, white patches, red patches, unexplained lumps, or sores that do not heal.
If you notice discolored areas, thickened tissue, or abnormal cell growth, seek professional care.
8-Step Oral Cancer Screening
You should perform this self-examination monthly to monitor your oral health and detect early signs of oral cancer, including symptoms of mouth cancer and squamous cell carcinoma.
Step 1. Examine Your Face and Neck
- Stand in front of a mirror in a well-lit area.
- Look for asymmetries, swelling, or lumps on both sides of the face and neck.
- Gently press along the sides and front of your neck to feel for unusual masses, swollen lymph nodes, or tenderness.
Step 2. Inspect Your Lips
- Pull your lower lip down and upper lip up to examine both the inside and outside surfaces.
- Check for sores, discoloration, rough patches, or lumps.
- Feel for changes in texture, sensitivity, or tenderness.
Step 3. Check the Inside of Your Cheeks
- Open your mouth wide and use a bright light for better visibility.
- Look for red, white, or dark patches, as well as bumpy or rough areas.
- Feel for lumps or tenderness inside both cheeks.
Step 4. Examine Your Gums
- Use a clean finger to feel along the entire gum line.
- Check for lumps, swelling, discolored tissue, or any unusual patches.
Step 5. Inspect Your Tongue
- Stick out your tongue and inspect the top, sides, and underside.
- Look for swelling, discoloration, or sores that do not heal.
- Feel for lumps, tender areas, or abnormalities.
Step 6. Check the Floor of Your Mouth
- Tilt your head back slightly for a clearer view.
- Lift your tongue to inspect the floor of your mouth thoroughly.
- Look for lumps, discoloration, sores, or any unusual tissue growth.
Step 7. Examine the Roof of Your Mouth
- Open your mouth wide and examine the hard and soft palate.
- Look for discoloration, lumps, sores, or rough patches of tissue.
Step 8. Assess Your Throat
- Open your mouth and say “Ah” to view the back of your throat clearly.
- Check for redness, swelling, sores, or any abnormal tissue.
- Note any persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or hoarseness.
Common Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Here are 10 symptoms to watch for that could be indicators of oral cancer:
- Mouth ulcer that does not heal within two weeks
- White, red, or dark patches inside the mouth
- Unexplained lumps, swelling, or bumpy spots
- Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the tongue
- Unexplained bleeding or numbness in the mouth
- Loose teeth without apparent cause
- Discoloration of tissue or unusual tissue growth
- Painful or painless lump
- Unexplained weight loss
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
If you have any of the following risk factors, you should be extra cautious and perform regular self-examinations:
- Tobacco products, including smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco
- Heavy alcohol consumption or excessive alcohol use
- Excessive sun exposure, particularly affecting the lips
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Poor diet
- Family history of cancer
- Chronic irritation from ill-fitting dentures or dental appliances
- Squamous cells abnormalities and chronic inflammation
When to Seek Professional Advice
If you notice any of these symptoms persisting for more than two weeks, seek professional evaluation.
Early detection through a comprehensive oral exam can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Dentists and oral surgeons can assess suspicious lesions, perform biopsies, and recommend imaging tests if necessary.
Schedule a Comprehensive Oral Exam
If your dentist has recommended advanced screening by an oral surgeon, we can help. Our surgeons are experienced in oral diagnosis and will perform biopsies when needed.
If you would like your dentist to refer you to our office, please have them fill out our doctor referral form. However, you do not need a referral to be seen at our office. To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Tempe or Show Low, call (480) 830-5866 or complete the online inquiry form.
