Having noticed one or more symptoms indicating tongue cancer, it's time to call your dentist. The first step your dentist will take is to perform a basic oral examination. The Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research suggests methods of self-examination in which numerous areas are involved in a proper diagnosis. The report mentions "oral cancer can be diagnosed earlier by self mouth examination, increase awareness in high-risk communities. Early detection has better curing rates and it will also reduce the cost of treatment." It also explains that the oral cavity is accessible for visual examination, and that oral cancers and premalignant lesions have well-defined clinical diagnostic features.
Other detection methods should be performed by a doctor as necessary. An endoscopy, for example, can be used to get a closer look down your throat and into your lungs. X-rays of the jaws, chest and lungs will show if the cancer has spread from the tongue, whereas a CT scan will reveal any potentially malignant tumors. Like an X-ray, an MRI is helpful in determining if the cancer has indeed undergone metastasis, infecting another part of the body. If your doctor can't determine the cause of your symptoms, he may refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist.