At Black Hills Area Dental, we believe prevention is the best treatment, making oral cancer screenings an essential part of every preventive visit. Oral cancer is a serious health concern, but when it is caught early, the chances of successful treatment improve significantly. Dr. Bart Samuelson and our team serve patients from Rapid City, Sturgis, and communities throughout the Black Hills area, and we are committed to making sure no signs go unnoticed.
Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Knowing what to look for between visits can make a real difference. Contact our office if you notice any of the following:
- Sores or ulcers in the mouth that do not heal within two weeks
- Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or inside of the cheeks
- Lumps, thickening, or rough spots in the mouth or throat
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Numbness or tenderness in the mouth, lips, or tongue
- Persistent hoarseness or a sore throat that does not go away
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- A change in how your dentures or bite fits
These symptoms do not always indicate cancer, but any of them warrants an evaluation.
Risk Factors of Oral Cancer
Having certain habits or characteristics may put you at higher risk of developing oral cancer. Genetics can also play a role. Although anyone can get oral cancer, you may be more susceptible if the following risk factors apply to you:
- Using traditional or smokeless tobacco products
- Being male
- Severe alcohol use
- Being over 55 years old
- Having family members with a history of oral cancer
- A history of HPV
What to Expect During Your Oral Cancer Screening
An oral cancer screening is quick, painless, and included in your routine preventive visit at no extra step. Dr. Samuelson performs a visual and tactile exam of your lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, inner cheeks, palate, throat, and the lymph nodes in your neck. He is looking and feeling for sores, lumps, discolored patches, and any changes in the soft tissue. Most patients find it no more involved than a standard exam, and the whole process typically takes just a few minutes.
Oral Cancer Prevention
Preventing this disease begins with regular oral cancer screening. We perform twice-yearly screenings to check for abnormal tissue, shifting teeth, discolored bumps, and other inconsistencies. We will discuss any findings with you and give you the knowledge to help further reduce your risk of developing oral cancer.
What Happens If We Find Something
Finding something during a screening does not automatically mean cancer. Many abnormalities turn out to be benign. However, we never leave a finding unaddressed. Depending on what Dr. Samuelson observes, the next step may be scheduling a follow-up visit in a few weeks to see whether the area has changed, or recommending a biopsy to get a definitive answer. If further evaluation is needed beyond what we can provide, we will refer you to the appropriate specialist and make sure you understand every step of the process.
Early detection is the single biggest factor in oral cancer outcomes. When mouth cancer is found in its earliest stages, the five-year survival rate is significantly higher than when it is caught late. That is why a few minutes at every checkup matters so much.
What is an oral cancer screening?
An oral cancer screening is a short, painless exam in which Dr. Bart Samuelson checks the soft tissues of your mouth, throat, and neck for early signs of cancer. He looks and feels for sores, lumps, discolored patches, and other changes in the tissue. The screening is part of your routine preventive visit at Black Hills Area Dental and typically takes only a few minutes.
Does an oral cancer screening hurt?
No. The screening is entirely non-invasive. Dr. Samuelson visually inspects your lips, tongue, cheeks, palate, and the floor of your mouth, then gently feels the tissues of your mouth and the lymph nodes in your neck. Most patients find it no more uncomfortable than a routine dental exam.
How often should I get an oral cancer screening?
We perform oral cancer screenings twice yearly as part of your regular preventive appointments. If you use tobacco, drink heavily, are over 55, have a family history of oral cancer, or have a history of HPV, Dr. Samuelson may recommend screening more frequently. Talk with our team about the schedule that fits your risk profile.
What are the early warning signs of oral cancer?
Watch for sores or ulcers that do not heal within two weeks, red or white patches inside your mouth, lumps or thickened tissue, persistent hoarseness or sore throat, numbness in the mouth or lips, difficulty swallowing or chewing, and unexplained bleeding. Any of these warrants an evaluation, though most turn out to be something other than cancer.
Is an oral cancer screening covered by insurance?
Because screenings are performed as part of a routine preventive exam, they are generally covered under the preventive portion of most dental plans. Coverage varies by carrier and plan. Our front office team can verify your specific benefits before your visit.
Do you see patients from Sturgis for oral cancer screenings?
Yes. Black Hills Area Dental serves patients from Rapid City, Sturgis, and communities throughout the Black Hills region. Our office is at 200 Federal Ave in Rapid City.
How Often Should You Be Screened?
We perform oral cancer screenings twice yearly as part of your regular preventive appointments. For most patients, that is all that is needed. If you use tobacco, drink heavily, are over 55, have a family history of oral cancer, or have a history of HPV, Dr. Samuelson may recommend screening more frequently. During your visit, our team can help you determine the schedule that makes sense for your individual risk profile.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening in Rapid City, SD
If you notice lumps, bumps, sores, or other abnormalities in your mouth, do not wait for your next scheduled appointment. Reach out to our team right away. Black Hills Area Dental serves patients from Rapid City, Sturgis, and throughout the Black Hills area. Call us at (605) 348-4657 or visit our contact page to request an appointment.
