Biopsy and diagnosis of oral lesions
Most things found in the mouth turn out to be harmless. The way to know which is to look properly, and that is what a biopsy is for.
What is involved
Evaluation of suspicious lesions, growths or changes in the tissue — anything that looks different, or has not healed when it should have.
Where a sample is needed it is taken as an incisional biopsy, which removes part of the area, or an excisional biopsy, which removes it entirely. Either is analysed by an oral pathology laboratory.
Oral cancer screening is part of routine periodontal care here rather than something you have to ask for.
Who it is for
Anyone whose dentist has seen something they want a specialist opinion on.
Anyone who has noticed a patch, lump, sore or colour change in their mouth that has not gone away — particularly one that has been there more than a couple of weeks.
Coming in is the low-cost move. Waiting to see is the expensive one.
Getting the result
The sample goes to an oral pathology laboratory and the result comes back to us. You will be told what it says and what, if anything, it means for you.
The site itself is usually minor to recover from — some soreness, and softer food for a short while. You will be given aftercare on the day.
Cost and insurance
Cost covers the procedure and the laboratory analysis. You will have the figure before anything is booked.
Our insurance coordinator works through what your plan covers.
Most of what is found in a mouth is harmless. Looking properly is the only way to know which.
Questions we are asked
Open any of them. If yours is not here, the front desk will answer it on the phone.
01Does a biopsy mean you think it is cancer?
No. A biopsy is how anything unexplained is identified, and most results are not cancer. It is done because looking is the only way to know rather than because of what is expected.
02How long do results take?
The sample is analysed by an oral pathology laboratory and we contact you when the result is back. You will be told at the appointment roughly when to expect it.
03What should make me come in?
Anything in your mouth that has not healed in a couple of weeks: a sore, a lump, a white or red patch, or a change in texture. Most are harmless, and that is worth confirming.
04Is the procedure painful?
It is done under local anaesthetic, and the site is usually minor to recover from. You will be given aftercare before you leave.
Not sure this is what you need?
Most people are not, on the first call. Book a comprehensive evaluation and we will tell you what we find, and what it would take to put right.