What is an oral biopsy?
An oral biopsy is a medical procedure involving the removal of a small tissue sample from the mouth to determine any potential issues. The biopsy is often performed on areas of the mouth facing abnormalities such as lesions or lumps.
The collected tissue sample is then sent to a laboratory to be analysed under a microscope to identify the cause of the problem, such as the presence of oral diseases, infections, or cancerous or precancerous cells. Thus, an oral biopsy can provide an opportunity for early diagnosis and significantly improve treatment outcomes and survival rates for patients.
When is an oral biopsy needed?
A dentist will recommend an oral biopsy if they identify suspicious lesions, growths, and abnormalities in the patient’s mouth that interfere with their oral functions and changes affecting the oral cavity that cannot be identified through X-rays or clinical examinations.
You may require an oral biopsy if you notice:
Unusual white or red patches in your mouth
Persistent mouth ulcers that don’t heal
Suspicious lumps or swellings
Changes in the appearance of oral tissues
A dentist will also recommend an oral biopsy if they suspect the patient is suffering from oral cancer. Early diagnosis is important for conditions like oral cancer, which may be asymptomatic in its initial stages.
Suspect that you might be suffering from the above symptoms? Request for an appointment with our dental specialists at Thomson Medical today.
Types of oral biopsies
There are a few different types of oral biopsies that can be performed, such as:
Aspiration biopsy:
A sample of the cells from a lesion in the mouth is collected using a needle and syringe.
Brush biopsy:
A less invasive method where cells are collected using a specialised circular brush from a lesion in the mouth.
Excisional biopsy:
The entire lesion or affected area is removed. This is usually used to remove small oral lesions, measuring less than 1 cm, that appear benign upon a clinical examination.
Incisional biopsy:
The doctor removes a small portion of the lesion. This is usually done when the lesions are greater than 1 cm and too large for complete removal, or if there is a high suspicion of malignancy.
Punch biopsy:
A small, cylindrical sample of tissues is removed from the oral cavity using a circular blade tool.
What to expect during an oral biopsy?
Preparation
Before the oral biopsy, patients will undergo an evaluation by a dental specialist, including a blood test and discussing medical history, current medications, and any allergies. Based on this discussion, they will provide instructions on which medications to avoid or withhold, if any.
Moreover, if the biopsy is to be performed on part of a bone, the dental specialist may recommend dental X-rays or CT scans beforehand. Depending on what type of anaesthesia is used, patients may also be advised to fast for a specific period before the procedure. Lastly, prior to the biopsy, the patient will be asked to rinse their mouths with antibacterial mouthwash.
During the procedure
Anaesthesia:
Local anaesthesia is administered to numb the area around the lesion to ensure the patient's comfort throughout the procedure.
Tissue removal:
The dentist will carefully extract a small piece of tissue from the abnormal area and place the sample in a suitable medium for transport to a laboratory for analysis.
Post-procedure care:
After the biopsy, patients are usually able to quickly resume normal activities. However, they may experience mild discomfort that can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
What to expect after an oral biopsy?
After the biopsy, patients may have stitches at the biopsy site, but these are typically dissolvable stitches that will be gone after about two weeks. Should a non-dissolvable stitch be used, the patient will be informed so that it can be manually removed later. The results of an oral biopsy can take up to six weeks to be completed.
Patients are also required to discuss with the doctor how they wish to receive the biopsy results. For common lesions, the patient can receive their results via phone call should they give their permission. However, for less common lesions, a review appointment will be scheduled to allow for further discussion between the dental specialist and patient.
Patients may experience some pain and discomfort after the biopsy. Hence, post-biopsy care is vital for recovery. It is recommended for patients to remember to:
Avoid certain activities, such as smoking or alcohol consumption, for at least 48 hours after the procedure.
Stick to eating soft foods and avoid hard foods and direct chewing on the biopsy site to minimise discomfort.
Gently rinse with warm salt water after meals to reduce the risk of infection and subsequester swelling once initial healing has begun.
Patients will also receive aftercare instructions and the dental specialist’s contact information should they have any questions or concerns during their recovery period following the biopsy.
Dentists who can perform oral biopsy
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Conclusion
Understanding what oral biopsies are and their importance is essential for patients concerned about their oral health. Hence, should a patient be concerned with any suspicious growth in their mouths, it is best to consult with a dental specialist early. Thus, with early detection and proper management provided by dental specialists, patients can navigate potential health issues with greater confidence.
FAQ
How long does it take to get the oral biopsy results?
It can take up to 6 weeks to get the biopsy results, but the timeframe may vary based on the clinic or hospital procedures. In some cases, the dental specialist may require a second opinion, which could extend the time required to receive a diagnosis based on the biopsy.
Can you eat or drink after a biopsy?
Yes, you can eat and drink after a biopsy. However, it is recommended to avoid consuming alcohol for at least 48 hours after the procedure and to avoid eating hard food near the biopsy site to prevent further discomfort or risk of infection. It is best to stick to soft foods during the healing process after the biopsy.
Is an oral biopsy painful?
An oral biopsy is not painful, although you may experience initial discomfort due to the injection of local anaesthesia during the procedure. After the procedure, you may also experience some soreness or discomfort. This can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. However, if you are experiencing significant pain after the biopsy, it is best to consult with your dental specialist should you need to be prescribed stronger pain medications.
Are there any risks associated with oral biopsies?
The possible risks associated with an oral biopsy include pain, bleeding, discomfort and swelling. There is also a small risk that tiny nerves may be damaged at the area where the biopsy is performed; however, this is minimal and the dental specialist will explain any other potential risks to the patient prior to the biopsy.
How long does it take for an oral biopsy to heal?
For a biopsy done under local anaesthesia and without stitches, the pain and discomfort will last for around 2 to 3 days. However, depending on the location and type of biopsy done, an oral biopsy could need up to 2 weeks to heal.
The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Book an appointment with Thomson Medical today.