How do you diagnose oral cancer?

As an expert in the field of oral health, I can provide you with an overview of how oral cancer is diagnosed. It's important to note that while I can provide information, only a qualified healthcare professional can make a definitive diagnosis. **Diagnosing oral cancer typically involves several steps:** 1. Physical Exam: A healthcare professional will conduct a thorough examination of the lips, mouth, and throat, looking for any signs of abnormalities such as sores, white patches (leukoplakia), or red patches (erythroplakia). 2. Biopsy: If suspicious areas are found, a small piece of tissue may be removed and examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells. 3. Imaging Tests: These can include X-rays, CT scans, MRI, or PET scans to determine the size and spread of the tumor. 4. Other Tests: Depending on the findings, additional tests such as blood tests, saliva tests, or tests to determine the function of the liver and kidneys may be performed. 5. Staging: If cancer is confirmed, the healthcare team will stage the cancer to understand how far it has spread, which can inform treatment options. It's crucial for individuals to perform regular self-examinations and to report any persistent mouth sores or unusual changes to a healthcare professional promptly.

Tests and procedures used to diagnose mouth cancer include:Physical exam. Your doctor or dentist will examine your lips and mouth to look for abnormalities �� areas of irritation, such as sores and white patches (leukoplakia).Removal of tissue for testing.