Mouth or oral cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer, only representing approximately 3% of all cancers, however it is very important to understand mouth cancer because it spreads within the body relatively quickly. It may also be one of the easiest to detect at an early, treatable stage - if you know what to look for.
In North America, a program to reduce the incidence and mortality rate of this disease through the development of new techniques for early detection and treatment involves educating dentists and other oral health professionals.
7 Steps to Perform a Mouth Cancer Self Examination:
All you need is a mirror and good lighting. Closely look at and feel your:
- Head and neck: look for any lumps, bumps or swellings that are only on one side of your head or neck.
- Face: examine the skin on your face for any color or size changes in moles and for sores and growths.
- Neck: Gently press along the sides and front of your neck. Look for any areas of tenderness or lumps.
- Lips: Gently pull down the lower lip and look on the inside border for any sores or color changes. Next use your thumb and forefinger to feel for lumps, bumps or changes in texture. Repeat this on your upper lip.
- Cheek: Put your index finger on the inside of your cheek and your thumb on the outside. Gently squeeze and roll your cheek between your fingers to check for lumps or areas of tenderness. Next, pull out your cheek so you can see inside your mouth and look for red, white or dark patches on the inside of your cheek. Repeat on the other side.
- Roof of the Mouth: Tilt your head back and look inside your mouth to check for any lumps or color changes. Run your finger on the roof of your mouth to feel for lumps or sores.
- Tongue and Floor of the Mouth: Stick out your tongue and check the top surface for color and texture changes. Pull your tongue forward to check one side and then the other. Look for any bumps, swellings or color changes. Then check the underside and floor of the mouth (below the tongue) by placing the tip of the tongue on the roof of the mouth. Also check the floor of your mouth and the underside of your tongue for any changes in color. Gently run your finger along the underside of your tongue to feel for any lumps or swellings.
If you find anything out of the ordinary, particularly anything that does not heal or go away in two weeks, discuss your concerns with your dentist or physician. Even if you do not detect anything unusual ask your dentist or physician for an oral tissue exam the next time you in for your regular check up. A diagnosis of cancer can only be made accurately by a doctor.
Noreen Kassem - Noreen Kassem is a hospital doctor based in London, UK. She has extensive experience in clinical research and an undergraduate honors ...
