How to Do a 2-Minute Self-Exam

Do this once a month. All you need is a mirror, good lighting, and clean hands. If you notice something that lasts 2+ weeks, see a dentist. Not sure what you're looking for? See the warning signs guide.

1. 1

   Face & neck

   Look in the mirror at your face. Check that both sides look symmetrical. Feel the sides of your neck for lumps or swelling.

   
2. 2

   Lips

   Pull your upper lip up and lower lip down. Look and feel for sores, color changes, or lumps on the inside and outside.

   
3. 3

   Cheeks

   Use your fingers to gently pull each cheek outward. Look for red, white, or dark patches. Press gently to feel for lumps.

   
4. 4

   Gums

   Examine your gums, top and bottom, front and back. Look for color changes, swelling, or sores.

   
5. 5

   Tongue (top & sides)

   Stick out your tongue and look at the top. Then lift it to check underneath and the sides. The sides of the tongue are the most common site for oral cancer.

   
6. 6

   Floor of mouth

   Lift your tongue to the roof of your mouth. Look at the floor underneath and feel it gently with a clean finger.

   
7. 7

   Roof of mouth

   Tilt your head back and open wide. Look at the hard and soft palate for any color changes, bumps, or sores.

   
8. 8

   Throat

   Say "ahh" and check the back of your throat. Look for asymmetry, patches, or sores.

   

Reference photos from "Detecting Oral Cancer: A Guide for Health Care Professionals" (National Institutes of Health). Public domain.

Written by Ian Harris, predental student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. About OralCheck