How can I check for signs of oral cancer at home?
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American Dental Association answered:There are some symptoms of oral cancer that you can check for:
- sores that bleed easily or do not heal
- a thick or hard spot or lump
- a roughened or crusted area
- numbness, pain or tenderness
- a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down
During your dental visit, your dentist can talk to you about your health history and examine these areas for signs of mouth and/or throat cancer. Regular visits to your dentist can improve the chances that any suspicious changes in your oral health will be caught early, at a time when cancer can be treated more easily.
There are some symptoms of oral cancer that you can check for: sores that bleed easily or do not heal a thick or hard spot or lump a roughened or crusted area numbness, pain or tenderness a change in the way your teeth fit together when you... More -
Dr. Jonathan B. Levine answered:The signs and symptoms of oral cancer are a lump in the throat, a thickening or lump(s) in the lining of the mouth, tongue numbness, red or white lesions in the mouth, and any dark blue or black spots on the tongue. You can spot these signs of oral cancer by performing an easy and simple at-home self-examination once a week. Give yourself a little "Ahhhh" in front of the mirror and check out your tongue (top and bottom), your gum areas, the back of your mouth, and the inside cheek areas of your mouth. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your dentist for an immediate oral examination and diagnosis.Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulThe signs and symptoms of oral cancer are a lump in the throat, a thickening or lump(s) in the lining of the mouth, tongue numbness, red or white lesions in the mouth, and any dark blue or black spots on the tongue. You can spot these signs... More -
Dr. Hillel Ephros answered:Oral cancer self-examination should not replace routine visits to the dentist. To do self-examination, you need good lighting and you have to try and inspect every visible surface of gum and mouth lining tissue. This must include places that are tough to see like the sides of the tongue going as far back as possible and the inside surfaces of the jaw that face the tongue. The earliest visible sign of the most common oral cancer is a very subtle color change of mouth lining tissue. This is usually red, a color change that may be difficult to pick up on the pink and reddish surfaces inside the mouth. Some early oral cancers may have white areas making them easier to see. If you have a lump or a sore or have pain, bleeding or numbness, a professional should examine you. However, don’t wait for something in your mouth that looks abnormal to start hurting or bleeding before you get help. Oral cancer in its earliest stages is generally painless, and is detected only when very close attention is paid to careful examination of the entire inside of the mouth with good lighting. The goal of screening is for you or your dentist or hygienist to find a cancer at this very early stage when the prognosis is good.
Oral cancer self-examination should not replace routine visits to the dentist. To do self-examination, you need good lighting and you have to try and inspect every visible surface of gum and mouth lining tissue. This must include places that are... More -
Dr. Ben Amini answered:Symptoms
Sore, lump, or ulcer in the mouth:
- May be a deep, hard-edged crack in the tissue
- Most often pale colored, but may be dark or discolored
- On the tongue, lip, or other area of the mouth
- Usually painless at first (may develop a burning sensation or pain when the tumor is advanced)
Other symptoms that may occur with oral cancer include:
- Chewing problems
- Mouth sores
- Pain with swallowing
- Speech difficulties
- Swallowing difficulty
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Tongue problems
- Weight loss
Symptoms Sore, lump, or ulcer in the mouth: May be a deep, hard-edged crack in the tissue Most often pale colored, but may be dark or discolored On the tongue, lip, or other area of the mouth Usually painless at first (may develop a burning... More
