Some frequent symptoms of oral cancer are sores in your mouth that don't heal, red or white patches that don't go away, or a lump in your cheek.  These indicators can be scary, but the most important thing to do next is to get a professional diagnosis. To figure out the best treatment approach, it's important to know what stage of oral cancer the person is in, from early, localized growth to more advanced cases. Regular screenings and self-exams are important because early detection is vital. A thorough visual and physical exam by a dentist or doctor is the first step in testing for oral cancer. A biopsy is then done to be sure that malignant cells are present. CT or MRI scans are examples of imaging tests that can also be used to see how far the cancer has spread. Don't ignore changes in your mouth that don't go away; acting quickly could save your life.