How is oral cancer detected?
Disease description:
Recently, there has been an ulcer in my mouth that has persisted for a long time. I suspect it might be caused by oral cancer. How can oral cancer be detected?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
The diagnosis of oral cancer typically involves a comprehensive evaluation through multiple steps:
1. Conducting a detailed oral examination to observe abnormalities in the oral mucosa such as ulcers, erosion, or masses, and palpating the lesion to assess its texture, borders, and mobility.
2. Utilizing imaging examinations such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) to determine the tumor's size, shape, and location, as well as its relationship with surrounding tissues.
3. Performing histopathological analysis, if necessary, in which a small piece of the abnormal tissue is removed, stained, and examined under a microscope to confirm the nature of the tumor.
4. Cytological examination and molecular marker testing may also be used as auxiliary diagnostic methods.
Combined, these tests can accurately determine the presence of oral cancer. If any abnormalities are detected in the mouth, it is recommended to seek prompt evaluation and undergo relevant examinations at a qualified hospital.
