Head & Neck Cancer Self Exam (you know the most about your anatomy!)
Posted on 4/1/2025 by Clackamas Oral Surgery |
 Taking care of your health involves being proactive, and that includes checking for any potential health concerns. When it comes to head and neck cancer, early detection is crucial. While a healthcare professional will always be the best resource for diagnosis and treatment, you can play a vital role in identifying possible signs early on by performing a regular self-exam.
This guide will walk you through the steps of a head and neck self-exam, empowering you to become an active participant in your own well-being. Remember, you know your body best, and even the slightest change could be significant.
Why Perform a Self-Exam?
Head and neck cancers can develop in various areas, including the mouth, nose, throat, sinuses, and salivary glands. Early detection increases the likelihood of successful treatment, and a self-exam allows you to become familiar with your normal appearance and identify any new or unusual changes.
While not every change will be cancerous, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional if you notice anything different. They can perform a thorough examination and determine the cause of the change.
How to Perform a Self-Exam
Performing a head and neck self-exam is simple and takes only a few minutes. Ideally, you should do it once a month in a well-lit area with a mirror. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Face and Scalp:
| 1~ |
Look for any changes in the skin, such as new moles, sores that don't heal, or changes in existing moles. |
| 2~ |
Feel for any lumps or bumps under the skin. |
Lips and Oral Cavity:
| 1~ |
Inspect your lips for any sores, lumps, changes in color, or texture. |
| 2~ |
Check the inside of your mouth, including your gums, tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. Look for any white or red patches, sores, or lumps. |
| 3~ |
Feel your tongue and the floor of your mouth for any lumps or thickenings. |
Neck:
| 1~ |
Tilt your head back and feel your neck with your fingers, starting at the base of your skull and working your way down to your collarbone. |
| 2~ |
Feel for any lumps or swollen lymph nodes, which may feel like small, round bumps. |
Nose and Sinuses:
| 1~ |
Look inside your nose for any sores, growths, or changes in the lining. |
| 2~ |
Feel for any tenderness or pain in your sinuses, which are located around your cheekbones, forehead, and bridge of your nose. |
What to Look For
While performing your self-exam, pay attention to any new or unusual changes, including:
| • |
Sores that don't heal within two weeks |
| • |
Lumps or bumps in the mouth, neck, or face |
| • |
White or red patches in the mouth |
| • |
Difficulty swallowing or speaking |
| • |
Persistent earaches or hoarseness |
| • |
Numbness or pain in the face |
| • |
Loose teeth or dentures that don't fit properly |
When to See a Doctor
If you notice any of the changes mentioned above during your self-exam, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with your doctor or dentist. They can perform a comprehensive examination and determine the cause of the change. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the outcome of head and neck cancer.
Remember
Head and neck cancer self-exams are a valuable tool for early detection. By taking a few minutes each month to examine your head and neck, you can become more familiar with your normal appearance and identify any potential concerns. While a self-exam doesn't replace regular checkups with your healthcare professional, it empowers you to take an active role in your health and well-being.
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