Biopsy

A biopsy is a simple surgery to remove a sample of soft tissue or bone. It is done when a dentist or physician wants to have the sample examined in a laboratory. The purpose is to find out the nature of an abnormality, called a lesion. It may be caused by an illness or an injury. The lesion may be an area of soft tissue or bone that appears unusual. Or, it could be a new lump, or a patch of skin that has changed color or texture.

There are two types of biopsy: incisional and excisional. An incisional biopsy removes a piece of tissue from a lesion. It is a sampling. An excisional biopsy removes the entire lesion.

The type of biopsy performed depends on many factors. For example, if the lesion is small and your dentist suspects that it is not cancerous (benign), an excisional biopsy may be done. However, if the lesion is large or there is concern that it may be cancerous (malignant), an incisional biopsy is likely.

A biopsy is done to remove a lesion, in whole or in part, for examination in a laboratory. Usually a biopsy is done because your dentist or physician is concerned that a lesion may be cancerous. However, biopsies are also done to diagnose many types of noncancerous conditions.

For an oral biopsy, you may receive an antibacterial rinse to help prevent infection. The surgeon may also use a stain in your mouth to highlight the lesion.

If you need a bone biopsy, you will need X-rays or a computed tomography (CT) scan before the surgery. In adults, an oral biopsy is usually done in an office under local anesthesia while the patient is fully awake.

Lesions in soft tissue are removed with a scalpel or a laser, and the area is closed with stitches. Lesions in bone require access to the lesion. A drill may be used to remove bone covering the area of the lesion. Afterward, the tissue over the bone is stitched closed.

You can take over-the-counter pain relievers for any discomfort after a biopsy in your mouth. Eat soft foods and rinse with warm salt water for the first few days. Some people may receive an antibacterial rinse, an antibiotic or both.

Return to your dentist in one or two weeks for a follow-up visit. That's usually when you'll get the results of the biopsy.

Some types of oral surgery cause bleeding for the next few days. If there is excessive bleeding from a biopsy, contact your surgeon.

There is a very small risk that the biopsy area will become infected after surgery. The mouth contains thousands of bacteria, so most surgeons will use antibacterial rinses, antibiotics or both to help control infection.

During the surgery itself, there is a small risk that the surgeon will damage a nerve or blood vessel. X-rays and your surgeon's knowledge of anatomy help minimize this risk.

If you have increased swelling, fever, chills, persistent bleeding or numbness after a biopsy, contact your surgeon.