How to know i have oral cancer ?

Biopsy report: Any suspicious lesion warrants a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of cancer. Unfortunately patients don't know that they have oral cancer until a dentist or physician sees it, biopsies it and give you the bad news. Have your dentist give you a full head and neck exam every 6 months. If it is not part of his\her routine, ask for it or find another dentist. Early detection is key!

Scalpel biopsy: The final diagnosis of oral cancers can only be made by a biopsy.

Signs, symptoms: See oral surgeon or ENT doc if you have any of these symptoms: Persistent mouth sore, persistent mouth pain, a lump or thickening in the cheek, a white/red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil, or lining of the mouth, a sore throat, hoarseness or feeling that something is caught in the throat that does not go away, difficulty swallowing/chewing.

See your dentist.: If you suspect a lesion or something that is not normal in your mouth, you should see your dentist for his evaluation. He may refer you to an oral surgeon for his opinion and possible biopsy to be sure what it is. Don't wait if something is not right.

See your dentist: Oral cancer is an ideal cancer to identify early by screening during your routine dental examination. Some dentists may use additional tests (different types of lights to detect abnormal cells) to aid in identifying areas of abnormal cells in your mouth. The goal with oral cancer screening is to identify cancer early.

Consult with dentist: Dentist can only do the preliminary diagnosis with the velscope light unit. With the scope, irregular tissue with capillary network can be detected. However, definitive diagnosis must be done with biopsy. Brush biopsy also must be followed through with the tissue biopsy. Check with your dentist.

Exam: Exam and biopsy of suspicious areas by oral surgeon or ENT doc.