Oral, Head & Neck Self-Exam Guide

Early detection and diagnosis is crucial to successful treatment of oral, head and neck cancers. When detected at stages I and II, the survival rate is over 80%; however, more than half of all cases are found later. At more advanced stages, survival rates are lower, treatments are more invasive, and the side effects of treatment are much more significant.

A head and neck self-exam is an opportunity for you to get to know your body and what’s normal for you. Repeating this exam monthly can help you identify any changes that should be examined by a doctor or dentist.

Follow the four steps below and look for abnormal, irregular, or discolored areas. Compare one side to the other for symmetry. If you discover abnormal, irregular, or discolored areas or lumps that
are different on one side compared to the other, contact your health care provider or dentist.

1. Check the neck for lumps

2. Look at lips and cheeks

3. Bite gently; look at gums

4. Open mouth

Look at tongue (top, bottom, sides), back of the throat, the roof of the mouth, and under the tongue using a flashlight and mirror.

VIDEO: How to Do an Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Self-Exam

This video will guide you on how to do a self-exam for oral, head and neck cancer. If you see anything unusual, or have a troublesome symptom that persists for longer than 2 weeks, see a doctor or dentist for an evaluation.

Symptoms of Oral, Head and Neck Cancer

When doing a self-exam, watch for:

  • A red or white patch in your mouth (lips, cheeks, tongue, roof of your mouth)
  • Any lump or bump in your mouth, throat or neck
If you notice white or red patches, lumps or bumps, and they last for longer than 2 weeks or get larger, please see your doctor or dentist.

There are other signs of head and neck cancer that cannot be detected by a self-exam. For a complete list of signs and symptoms, click here.

1-866-792-4622 (HNCA)



Kristi believes dentists can be a resource for early detection by conducting a thorough mouth, jaw, and throat examination upon every visit. “While the dentists couldn’t have prevented cancer, they possibly could have been a great resource for early detection. This could have saved my husband from going through such grueling treatments.”Kristi Mason
Caregiver to Husband, Stage III Throat Cancer Patient

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