How do I check my own mouth for cancer at home?

✓ Accepted answer

Perform a monthly oral self-examination by visually inspecting and physically palpating your mouth’s soft tissues to detect abnormal lumps, patches, or sores that persist for more than two weeks.

• Prepare your space and tools: Use a bright light, a mirror, and a clean cotton swab. Sit in front of a bathroom mirror with your head tilted slightly back.
• Examine the outer surfaces: Open your mouth wide to check the inner cheeks, gums, and the top and bottom of your tongue. Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth to inspect the underside, then move it forward to check the tip and sides.
• Look for visual changes: Scan for persistent white or red patches, rough spots, or ulcers that do not heal. The National Cancer Institute notes that persistent sores lasting longer than two weeks are a primary warning sign of oral cancer.
• Use tactile inspection: Gently palpate the tongue, inner lips, and cheek with clean fingers or a cotton swab to feel for lumps or thickening.
• Check the back of the throat: Look at the floor of the mouth and the base of the tongue for any abnormal color changes or tissue growth.
• Consult a professional: If you discover a persistent lesion or notice difficulty chewing, swallowing, or unexplained bleeding, contact your dentist or primary care provider immediately for a professional biopsy or evaluation.

admin · 2026-09-30 21:25:09