Biopsy |
When you visit our office for an evaluation, we will be looking at your gums, teeth and all your anatomical structures like the tongue, floor of the mouth, uvula, lips, palate etc. (If during the exam we find any abnormalities on them, we will then need to do a biopsy.)
A biopsy is a diagnostic procedure by which we remove a sample of tissue (incisional biopsy) or all of the abnormal tissue (excisional biopsy) for examination under the microscope by a pathologist. Early detection and treatment of a malignant lesion provide a better change for a cure. Abnormal results could mean:
• Oral cancer: The most common causes for oral cancer are tobacco and alcohol. Other causes include poor oral hygiene, irritation caused by ill-fitting dentures and rough surfaces on teeth, poor nutrition, some chronic infections and combinations of these factors.
• Non-cancerous mouth sores (the specific cause can be determined in many cases).
Procedure
In most cases biopsies are carried out under local anesthesia (an injection into the area to numb it). The injection takes a couple of minutes to work and means that the biopsy will be painless. A small piece of the gum tissue that appears abnormal is removed.
The whole process usually takes around 15 minutes from start to finish. The biopsy is then sent to a laboratory where a pathologist evaluates it under the microscope. The biopsy report not only helps establish a diagnosis, but also enables us to develop a specific plan of treatment.
There is no special preparation, although you may be told not to eat for a few hours before the biopsy.
After the numbness wears off, the area may be a little sore for a few days. Occasionally it is necessary to take over the counter simple pain relievers (e.g. Ibuprofen or Tylenol). Usually any discomfort only lasts a few days.
Most people are able to return to work later the same day.
Since the stitches are dissolvable a review appointment is not always necessary but you will usually be given one so that the results of the biopsy can be discussed with you. Recommendations: self-examination should be performed monthly. When doing your examination, look for the following:
• White patches of the oral tissues (leukoplakia).
• Red patches (erythroplakia).
• Red and white patches (erythroleukoplakia).
• A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily.
• Difficulty in chewing or swallowing.
• A mass or lump in the neck.
• An abnormal lump or thickening of the tissues of the mouth.
• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness.
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Out of Town Patients
Our office is conveniently located near the Dayton International Airport and our staff will be happy to help you with your travel and lodging arrangements if needed.More Information |
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© 2010-2021 Griselle C Ortiz-Ramsey, DMD, MS, PhD, Inc. - All rights reserved
312 James Bohanan Drive, Vandalia OH, 45377
1020 North Market Street, Troy, OH 45373 |
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Laser Periodontist (periodontics, perio, dentist, dental specialist, treatment of gum disease, bleeding gums, bad breath, scaling and root planning, deep cleaning, gum grafts, saving teeth, lip repositioning, crown lengthening, gummy smile, and frenectomy) serving the Miami Valley including the Ohio communities of Vandalia, Dayton, Oakwood, Riverside, Kettering, Trotwood, Huber Heights, West Carrollton, Beavercreek, Centerville, Miamisburg, Tipp City, Fairborn, Englewood, New Lebanon, Bellbrook, Springboro, Union, Clayton, Troy, Piqua, Greenville, Springfield, Sidney, Celina, Lima, Wapakoneta, New Carlisle, Xenia, Yellow Springs, Jamestown, Columbus, Cincinnati, London, Richmond Indiana and surrounding communities.
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