Biopsy

If you are sent for a biopsy your dentist is concerned about an area of your mouth that looks abnormal.  This could be both on any soft tissue area of the mouth from the lips, and cheek to the tongue and under the tongue (floor of the mouth).  It could also be an area in the bone of the jaws which is usually, but not always, evident on an x-ray.  Dr. Mullendore and Dr. Von Kaenel have had years of training in residency and many hours of continuing education in diagnosing and treating oral pathology.  Many areas in the oral cavity can appear “different” but are not considered pathologic  and are variations of “normal”.  The American Dental Association, especially recently, has focused on earlier diagnosis of oral cancer.  There are many tools used to help dentists locate “suspicious” areas or areas that are possibly abnormal or cancerous.  Just to be clear, if you have had one of these tests and are referred for a biopsy the only test to confirm oral cancer is a biopsy.  Dentists are taught to error on the side of caution and refer for an expert consultation when not certain of a particular lesion or spot in the mouth.  The biopsy procedure essentially consists of removing part or all of the area in question and submitting it to a pathologist (usually an oral pathologist unless insurance dictates otherwise) get a specific diagnosis of the questionable lesion.  From the time the biopsy is performed, to the time of results is usually around 7-10 days depending on specifics of the biopsy.  We call and give the results of every biopsy or have a follow-up appointment.  If you had a biopsy and did not get a phone call or see us for the results please call if it has been more than 2 weeks.