Oral cancer diagnosis and staging

Because oral (mouth) cancer progresses quickly, early identification is crucial. Oral cancer screening may detect the disease in its initial stages, when it’s easier to manage. This allows for less invasive treatments, reduces the risk of complications, and improves the chances of complete recovery. It may also prevent the cancer from spreading to other areas, such as the lymph nodes and other organs.

The first step in diagnosing mouth cancer is a complete physical examination and medical history evaluation from a head and neck specialist. Your provider will inspect the areas of the mouth and surrounding lymph nodes of the neck for any signs and symptoms you may be having. After the initial evaluation is performed, your doctor may run additional diagnostic tests.

• Biopsy
• Nasopharyngolaryngoscopy
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
• Complete blood count (CBC)

After an oral cancer diagnosis, your provider will determine the cancer’s stage by reviewing your physical exam and diagnostic test results. Staging shows how far the cancer has progressed, including whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other areas. This information helps your care team create a treatment plan that’s right for you and gives an idea of what to expect moving forward. 

There are five stages of mouth cancer:  

• Stage 0: Cancer is in the top layer of cells in the oral cavity without growth into deeper layers, nearby lymph nodes, or other parts of the body. 
• Stage 1: A cancerous growth is 2 centimeters or smaller and hasn’t spread to nearby tissues, lymph nodes, or other parts of the body. 
• Stage 2: A cancerous growth is larger than 2 centimeters but no more than 4 centimeters, without spread to nearby tissues, lymph nodes, or other parts of the body. 
• Stage 3: A cancerous growth is larger than 4 centimeters or has spread to one lymph node in the neck. 
• Stage 4: A cancerous growth can be any size and has spread to lymph nodes, nearby tissues, or other organs.

We offer a wide variety of cancer support programs and services to help you and your loved ones manage the physical and emotional effects of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. 

Because cancer can affect every aspect of your life, you and your family can benefit from services that address all aspects of a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. We believe that care should go beyond medical treatment by providing you with the tools to manage every stage of the process—from understanding your disease, to managing treatment side effects and recovery, and receiving the emotional support you need.