How is oral cancer detected?
Most early signs of oral cancer are painless and are difficult to detect without a thorough head and neck examination by a dental or medical professional. A thorough head and neck examination should include a visual inspection and finger exploration of the tongue, floor of the mouth (under the tongue), palate (roof of the mouth), salivary glands, lymph nodes, insides of the cheek, and the back of the throat. The tongue should be moved to allow for the inspection of its sides and base. Your dental or medical provider should perform routine head and neck examinations, especially if you use tobacco or excessive amounts of alcohol.
