Self Exam - The Milton J. Dance, Jr. Head & Neck Center at GBMC
A quick and easy way to help you help yourself.
Finding oral cancer early is important so that it can be treated promptly. Some forms of oral cancer can be seen during monthly self-examinations. Warning signs of head and neck tumors include:
A sore, lump or thickening in the mouth
A white or red patch
A sore throat that does not heal
Difficulty chewing or swallowing
Hoarseness that does not go away
A feeling that something is stuck in the throat
Difficulty moving the tongue or jaw
A lump in the neck
Numbness in the mouth, face or neck
Seat yourself in front of a well-lit mirror. Remove any partials, dentures, or dental retainers that may be in your mouth.
1. Check your neck for lumps or swellings.
2. Look at your lips. Pull your lower lip down, then lift your upper lip.
3. Pull back both cheecks and look inside.
4. Gently bite down and look at your gums. Note any swelling, growths, or areas of discoloration.
5. Open your mouth widely and look at the back of your tongue and roof of your mouth.
6. Stick out your tongue and look at the top and sides. Move the tongue side to side. Touch your tongue on the roof of your mouth and look undereneath your tongue.
If you have noted anything unusual during this exam, please contact your primary care physician, otolaryngologist, or other oral health specialist.
