Procedures
Biopsy
A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue, such as from a sore or patch in the mouth, so a lab can examine it under a microscope.
If a spot in the mouth looks unusual or does not heal, a dentist may suggest a biopsy. The dentist numbs the area with local anesthesia and takes a small tissue sample. A lab then looks at the tissue. A biopsy does not mean cancer. It is how a doctor finds out what a spot is. A review in the NIH library says a firm diagnosis can be confirmed only by an adequate surgical biopsy and exam of the tissue. Your dentist may send you to another doctor to have it done. See oral cancer screening and leukoplakia. You can also read about the oral cancer screening at Town Center Dental.