Oral cancer is a type of abnormal cell growth that damages the tissues of the mouth, lips, tongue, cheeks, or throat. A self-check will help alert you to early warning signs of the disease and let you know when to see an oral pathology professional. Below are four essential parts of an oral cancer self-check.

How to Check Yourself for Oral Cancer

1. Examine the Head & Neck

First, look at your head and neck in the mirror. Turn the face from side to side and confirm that both sides are more or less evenly proportioned. Look for any irregularities, such as lumps, bumps, swelling, or sores. If you detect any moles, sunspots, or skin tags, note their size, shape, and color, and check them regularly for growth or change in shape, color, or texture. Any unusual visual signs should be examined by a doctor of oral pathology.

2. Look & Feel Inside the Mouth

Pull the upper lip up and the lower lip down to look for sores, lumps, or discolored patches. Tilt the head slightly back and inspect the roof of the mouth for any unusual spots, growths, or sores that won't heal. With your fingers, feel along the upper and lower gums to ensure they’re smooth and free of bumps and growths. Do the same for the insides of the cheeks.

3. Evaluate the Tongue

Gently pull out your tongue as far as is comfortable. Assess the tongue surface, including the underside, for lumps, swelling, or changes in the natural color. Check the area of the mouth under the tongue as well.

4. Feel the Face & Neck

With light pressure, press your fingers around the outside of your face and neck. Oral cancer can start as lumps or bumps anywhere in this region. If you find any raised spots, knobs, or knots, make an appointment with an oral pathology professional.

Get a quick and painless oral cancer exam at Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska. Their oral pathology doctors serve patients throughout the Anchorage area. They use the latest technology like the I-CAT 3-D Imaging CT Scan to diagnose conditions and offer oral and maxillofacial surgeries. Call (907) 561-1430 to schedule an oral cancer screening, or visit them online to find out more about their services.