Making the Diagnosis
If oral cancer is suspected, your doctor or dentist will perform a thorough examination of your mouth for any lumps, sores or other changes in your neck, head, face and mouth.
To confirm a diagnosis of oral cancer and to see if the cancer has spread, several tests may be performed including X-rays, ultrasound, CT (computerized tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and bone scans. A biopsy (a small sample of tissue is removed from a tumor and examined under a microscope) may be needed to make the diagnosis.