An oral cancer screening can be performed during your regular dental visit. The doctor will check your entire oral cavity, including lips, cheeks, gums, the front of the tongue, and the floor and roof of your mouth. Your throat (pharynx), the soft part of the roof of your mouth, tonsils, and the back of the tongue will also be examined thoroughly. Your jaw and neck will also be checked for any lumps or abnormalities.
There are a wide variety of symptoms of oral cancer. Make an appointment as soon as possible if you experience any of the following:
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A persistent sore throat
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- A persistent sore in the mouth that bleeds easily
- Unexplained pain or numbness
- Ear pain
- Lumps or rough spots on the lips, gums or mouth
- Red, white, or speckled patches
- Difficulty speaking, chewing or swallowing
- A change in the way teeth or dentures fit together