As a medical professional with expertise in oncology, I can provide you with an overview of how oral cancer is typically diagnosed. The process involves several steps and may include the following tests and procedures: 1. Physical Exam: A healthcare provider will conduct a thorough examination of the lips and mouth to identify any visible abnormalities such as sores, white patches (leukoplakia), or other signs of irritation. 2. Biopsy: If an area of concern is identified, a small piece of tissue may be removed and sent to a lab for further examination. This is a critical step in diagnosing mouth cancer, as it allows pathologists to look for cancerous cells under a microscope. 3. Imaging Tests: Depending on the findings, your doctor may order imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, MRI, or PET scans to determine the extent of the cancer and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. 4. Endoscopic Examination: An endoscope, a thin tube with a camera, may be used to look inside the throat and other areas that are not easily visible to the naked eye. 5. Exfoliative Cytology: This involves scraping cells from the area of concern and examining them for signs of cancer. 6. Brush Biopsy: A more gentle method where a small brush is used to collect cells from the area of concern for analysis. 7. Molecular Testing: In some cases, molecular tests may be performed to identify specific genetic changes in the cells that could indicate cancer. 8. Medical History and Risk Assessment: Doctors will also consider the patient's medical history, including risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and exposure to certain chemicals. read more >>

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.read more >>