Oral Cancer

Get informed. Know the early signs of oral cancer. Early stage oral cancer is often asymptomatic – you may not FEEL it.

Watch out for:

• Persistent mouth sore
• Pain in mouth or ear
• Chronic hoarseness
• Non-tender lump in neck
• Abnormal swallowing
• Peculiar sore throat

Six Steps to a Thorough Oral Cancer Screening

Step 1

Tongue ‘n Gauze

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

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

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

Double-Digit Probe

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

Step 5: Neck Caress

Palpate your neck for enlarged lymph nodes a possible sign of infection or something more serious.

Step 6

Tonsil Ahhhhhh

Step 6: Tonsil Ahhhhhhh

Depress your tongue with a dental mirror, examining your tonsils for symmetry, enlargement, redness, or unusual bumps.