Oral Cancer
Get informed. Know the early signs of oral cancer.
Early stage oral cancer is often asymptomatic – you don’t FEEL it!
Watch out for:
- Changes to oral tissue (red/white patch, texture)
- Persistent mouth sore
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chronic sore throat
- Lump in neck (especially if it doesn’t bother you)
- Mouth or ear pain
Six Steps to a Thorough Oral Cancer Screening
The dentist or dental hygienist will:
Step 1: Tongue ‘n Gauze
Extend your tongue as far as it can go, examining the sides and underside for white and red patches, and feels your tongue for lumps. NOTE: This is the most common site of oral cancers in non-smokers.
Step 2: Lip & Cheek Roll
Feel for lumps or bumps, looking for white or red areas that should not be there.
Step 3: Double-Digit Probe
Examine the floor of your mouth from the top and bottom simultaneously for lumps, looking for white and red patches.
Step 4: Palate Tickle
Check the roof of your mouth for lumps and areas of softness on the hard palate, looking for white and red patches.
Step 5: Neck Caress
Palpate your neck for enlarged lymph nodes a possible sign of infection or something more serious.
Step 6: Tonsil Ahhhhhhh
Depress your tongue with a dental mirror, examining your tonsils for symmetry, enlargement, redness, or unusual bumps.
If your dental provider does a thorough oral cancer screening at every visit, recommend them for a Dental Lifesaver Award.
Photos of Barbara Boland, RDH, Stage I oral cancer survivor and co-creator of the six steps.
Self-Exam
Know your mouth. We are told to do self-exams for the breasts and the prostate. We are told to check our skin for spots with irregular borders. Now, it’s time to check your mouth! Here is a self-exam:
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