Diagnosis

Tests and procedures used to diagnose floor of the mouth cancer may include:

• Thorough physical examination. The process starts with a physical exam and a discussion of your symptoms and medical history.
• Removing a sample of tissue for testing (biopsy). Your doctor may remove a sample of suspicious cells from the floor of your mouth using a scalpel. Then your doctor sends the sample to a laboratory where experts analyze the cells to determine whether they're cancerous.
• Imaging tests. Imaging tests help your doctor determine the extent of your cancer and whether it may have spread. Tests may include a CT, MRI and positron emission tomography (PET). Which tests you undergo depend on your particular situation.
• Nutrition, speech and swallowing evaluations. Some people may need to meet with specialists in nutrition, speech and swallowing to determine next steps.