An oral biopsy is a diagnostic procedure performed to obtain a tissue sample from the mouth or oral cavity for further examination and analysis. It is commonly used to evaluate suspicious or abnormal areas in the mouth that may indicate the presence of oral diseases, such as oral cancer or other pathological conditions.
Here’s a brief note on oral biopsy:
1. Purpose: The primary purpose of an oral biopsy is to obtain a tissue sample from the mouth for microscopic examination and laboratory testing. It helps in diagnosing oral diseases, determining the nature of abnormalities or lesions, and guiding appropriate treatment planning.
2. Indications for Oral Biopsy: An oral biopsy may be recommended in the following situations:
Suspicious or abnormal oral lesions, ulcers, or growths that do not heal within two weeks.
Persistent red or white patches in the mouth.
Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck that are not related to other infections.
Suspected oral cancer or pre-cancerous conditions.
3. Biopsy Types:
Incisional Biopsy: This type of biopsy involves removing a small piece of tissue from the suspicious area. It is commonly performed when the lesion is large or if a complete excision is not feasible or necessary. The tissue sample is sent to a laboratory for microscopic examination.
Excisional Biopsy: Excisional biopsy involves the complete removal of the entire suspicious lesion or abnormality. This type of biopsy is performed when the lesion is small and easily accessible, and complete removal is both diagnostic and therapeutic.
4. Biopsy Procedure:
Local Anesthesia: Prior to the biopsy, the area around the biopsy site is numbed using a local anaesthetic to ensure a painless procedure.
Tissue Sample Collection: Using a scalpel or biopsy instrument, the dentist or oral surgeon carefully removes the targeted tissue sample from the suspicious area.
Hemostasis and Closure: If necessary, the site is treated to control bleeding, such as with sutures or cauterisation.
Pathological Examination: The tissue sample is sent to a pathology laboratory, where it is processed, embedded in paraffin, sliced into thin sections, stained, and examined under a microscope by a pathologist. The pathologist provides a detailed report of the findings, including the diagnosis, presence of malignancy, or any other pathological conditions.
Follow-Up and Treatment: The treatment plan depends on the biopsy results. If the biopsy confirms the presence of oral cancer or other significant pathology, further treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, may be recommended. If the biopsy indicates a benign condition, appropriate management will be determined based on the specific diagnosis.
It is important to consult with a qualified dentist, oral surgeon, or oral pathologist who specialises in oral biopsy procedures. They will evaluate your oral condition, recommend the appropriate biopsy type, perform the procedure, and guide you through the diagnostic process. Early detection and accurate diagnosis through oral biopsy can significantly impact the successful management and treatment outcomes for various oral diseases.
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