Follow the eight steps below and look for abnormal, irregular, or discolored areas. Compare one side to the other for symmetry. If you discover abnormal, irregular or discolored areas or lumps that are different on one side compared to the other, contact your healthcare provider or dentist.
Neck Self Exam
To examine your neck, use the soft pads of your fingers to feel the outsides of your cheeks and the sides of your neck, beginning from top to bottom. Also feel the front of your lower neck below your Adam’s apple and around your thyroid gland.
If you find something abnormal on your exam, or if you are feeling symptoms concerning for head and neck cancer, please see your health provider and ask if a referral to an ear, nose and throat specialist is right for you.
Lips Self Exam
Examine your lips by pinching your lips between your fingers and stretching the tissue out. You can look at and feel the inner lining of both the upper and the lower lips.
If you find something abnormal on your exam, or if you are feeling symptoms concerning for head and neck cancer, please see your health provider and ask if a referral to an ear, nose and throat specialist is right for you.
Cheeks Self Exam
Examine your cheeks by grasping the tissue between your fingers, turning your head, and stretching the lining out. You can view the inner lining of both cheeks.
If you find something abnormal on your exam, or if you are feeling symptoms concerning for head and neck cancer, please see your health provider and ask if a referral to an ear, nose and throat specialist is right for you.
Gums Self Exam
Examine your gums by bringing your teeth together and opening your lips. Look at and feel the outer portion of the gums. You will then open your mouth and look at the inner portion.
If you find something abnormal on your exam, or if you are feeling symptoms concerning for head and neck cancer, please see your health provider and ask if a referral to an ear, nose and throat specialist is right for you.
Floor of the Mouth Self Exam
Tilting your head downward, examine the floor of the mouth.
If you find something abnormal on your exam, or if you are feeling symptoms concerning for head and neck cancer, please see your health provider and ask if a referral to an ear, nose and throat specialist is right for you.
Tongue Self Exam
Examine your tongue by opening your mouth and sticking your tongue straight out to look at the top surface. Then move your tongue from side to side. Last, feel the area on each side of your tongue with your fingers for any areas that are different on one side compared to the other.
If you find something abnormal on your exam, or if you are feeling symptoms concerning for head and neck cancer, please see your health provider and ask if a referral to an ear, nose and throat specialist is right for you.
Palate Self Exam
Tilt your head back to view and then feel your palate with your fingers.
Throat Self Exam
Then you will examine your throat by opening your mouth widely and saying, “ahhhhh.”
If you find something abnormal on your exam, or if you are feeling symptoms concerning for head and neck cancer, please see your health provider and ask if a referral to an ear, nose and throat specialist is right for you.
