Biopsy of oral tissue

A clinician may sample an ulcer, patch, lump, or other area that has not resolved or has an unusual appearance. Local anaesthetic is often used, and the wound may be closed with dissolving stitches depending on its location and size.

The pathologist assesses the tissue structure and cell appearance. Findings may include irritation, inflammation, infection, a non-cancerous change, a precancerous change, or cancer. The reason for taking a biopsy is to distinguish among these possibilities rather than judge the cause from appearance alone.

Some samples need special stains or further laboratory assessment before the report can be completed. The result is considered alongside the examination and any imaging when the clinician recommends follow-up or treatment.

Tell the clinician about medicines, supplements, allergies, bleeding conditions, and previous anaesthetic reactions before the biopsy. Follow personalised directions about eating and drinking. Changes to prescribed blood-thinning medicine should come from the responsible prescriber.

While the area is numb, avoid biting the lip, cheek, or tongue and be cautious with hot food or drinks. Choose foods that do not scrape or sting the wound, clean the mouth as directed, and avoid disturbing the site with fingers or the tongue. Take pain medicine only as recommended.

Call the treating clinic if bleeding does not settle with the pressure method they advised, pain or swelling is worsening rather than easing, the area develops pus or a foul taste, stitches come apart, or you have a fever.

Get urgent help if swelling affects breathing or swallowing, bleeding is heavy, or you feel faint. These symptoms should be assessed promptly regardless of why the biopsy was performed.

You may want to ask whether only part of the area or the entire visible lesion will be sampled, where the wound will be, and whether stitches are expected. Confirm how to clean your mouth, what foods to avoid, when the numbness should wear off, and how you will receive the pathology result.