This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by
Maurie Markman, MD, President, Medicine & Science
This page was updated on May 31, 2022.
Many oral cancers are found during routine dental exams. But because the disease doesn’t usually cause symptoms in its early stages, paying attention to changes in the oral cavity is critical, especially for people who regularly smoke tobacco and drink alcohol. Along with a clinical exam of the mouth, other tests or procedures designed for diagnosing oral cancer include:
A barium swallow test may show irregularities in the larynx, pharynx, mouth and surrounding areas, and may often detect small, early oral tumors.
Only a biopsy can confirm an oral cancer diagnosis. A sample of tissues or cells is required for a biopsy, which must be conducted before treatment begins. The types of biopsies typically used for diagnosing oral cancers are:
Incisional biopsy: A small piece of tissue is cut from an abnormal-looking area. If the abnormal region is easily accessed, the sample may be taken at your doctor’s office. If the tumor is deeper inside the mouth or throat, the biopsy may need to be performed in an operating room, with general anesthesia administered to prevent pain.
Exfoliative cytology: A suspicious area is gently scraped to collect a sample of cells. These cells are placed on a glass slide and stained with dye, so that they can be easily viewed under a microscope. If any cells appear abnormal, a deeper biopsy will be performed.
If radiation is part of the treatment plan for oral cancer, a dental exam beforehand is usually recommended.
When teeth or other structures in the oral cavity need to be removed, a specialist known as a prosthodontist may make prosthetic replacements to help restore appearance, comfort and function after treatment.
Although most areas of the nose and mouth may be examined without the use of an instrument, doctors may perform an endoscopy to view hard-to-see areas, such as the larynx and behind the nose.
For both of these procedures, your doctor may spray your nose or the back of your throat with a numbing medicine to avoid pain. Because people diagnosed with oral cancer are also at increased risk for other head and neck cancers, your doctor may also examine other areas of the throat or nose.
If your doctor suspects the presence of oral cancer, this thorough exam will most likely be performed. If any oral tumors are found, your doctor will remove samples to be examined under a microscope.
An X-ray of the chest may be taken to determine whether the cancer has spread to the lungs. Cancer will not be present in the lungs unless it has advanced. If the result is abnormal, further tests will be performed.
Next topic: How is oral cancer treated?