Designer Smiles

ORAL BIOPSY: Do you need an Oral Biopsy?

A lady having oral problem

A biopsy is a surgical procedure that requires the removal of cell samples for laboratory testing. After that, the samples will be examined for cancerous cells or conditions that could lead to cancer in the future. There are different types of biopsies but in this case, we will be focusing on oral Biopsy, the mainstay in dental practice.

An oral biopsy is a surgical method that involves the extraction of tissues from a patient’s dental cavity for analysis. This analysis will determine if the tissues are cancerous or non-cancerous. The result is often confirmed by a pathologist. An oral biopsy can be used to predict likely tissue changes such that future cancer problems can be detected through a biopsy.

There are various reasons why an oral biopsy is conducted. An oral biopsy is performed if there are stimulative changes in the mouth due to an unknown reason. Also, if there are mouth lesions that cannot be specified by clinical analysis and X-rays, then a biopsy can be performed to confirm the cause, especially if the oral lesion persists for a long time. If the results show signs of cancer, your dentist will refer you to an expert. You can visit a dental office in Coral Springs for a biopsy.

Types Of Oral Biopsy

Dental or Oral Biopsies differ in types. Each patient has a specific diagnosis and only the appropriate type of oral biopsy is required for a specific oral issue. For further consultations, ask your dentist in Coral Springs FL.

Incisional Biopsy: this is a popular procedure. It means that only a small portion of the lesion will be taken.  Depending on how large the oral lesion is, the samples might be taken from more than one area. An incisional biopsy can either be performed in the operation room under general anesthesia or a lab, under local anesthesia. The final step is taken by the pathologist who will confirm if the removed cells and cancerous and if they’ve spread out to other parts of the body.

Excisional Biopsy: Unlike incisional biopsy where a small portion of the lesion is removed, the excisional involves the total removal of the lesion and some parts of the healthy tissues around it. Most times, this type of biopsy is conducted for minor oral lesions.

Brush Biopsy: This is usually the first step only if the symptoms are mild. During the procedure, a brush is used to strongly brush through the affected part, resulting in light bruises on the brushed part. The tissues that are stuck in the brush are then used for a first examination.

Cytology: This type of biopsy does not give a factual and substantial diagnosis. During this procedure, a part of the cells is scratched from the suspected area. This biopsy is performed after certain changes have been observed in the mouth. Since there’s no confirmation that the lesions might be cancerous, cytology is performed. Most times, your dentist will recommend a Cytology alongside Incisional or Excisional biopsy for a more detailed result.

Percutaneous Biopsy: This method requires the insertion of a biopsy needle through the oral cavity. Under this procedure, there are two types of biopsy. They are:

  • Fine Needle Biopsy: During this procedure, a needle is attached to the syringe and inserted into the mouth to obtain samples from the affected tissues. This procedure is helpful when the lesions can be physically seen and felt.
  • Core Needle Biopsy: this procedure is advantageous when more tissues are needed for the examination. In a core needle biopsy, a blade is used instead of a needle to collect the samples.

However, if you notice a change or persisting oral lesions that look suspicious, you should visit a dentist near you or a dentist at 33067 for consultations on what needs to be done.

Note that a biopsy is not a death sentence. A biopsy is an examination for checking abnormalities and their origins. Therefore, a biopsy doesn’t mean you have cancer until it is confirmed positive. Still confused about Oral Biopsy? Call us now to book an appointment with our dentist near you at Designer Smiles, FL. We also cater to patients residing in Wyndham Lakes, Castlewood, Coral Springs, Village Square, Crossings, Parkland, NW 71st Terrace, Heron Bay, and in nearby areas.