Oral Health - Biopsies

A biopsy is a medical test involving the removal of cells or tissues for examination. The tissue is often examined under a microscope and can also be analyzed chemically. When only a sample of tissue is removed, the procedure is called an incisional biopsy. When an entire lump or suspicious area is removed, the procedure is called an excisional biopsy. When a sample of tissue or fluid is removed with a needle, the procedure is called a needle aspiration biopsy.

Biopsy specimens are often taken from part of a lesion when the cause of a disease is uncertain or its extent or exact character is in doubt. A pathologic examination of a biopsy can determine whether a lesion is benign or malignant, and can help differentiate between different types of cancer.
The margins of a biopsy specimen are also carefully examined to see if the disease may have spread beyond the area biopsied. "Clear margins," or "negative margins," means that no disease was found at the edges of the biopsy specimen. "Positive margins" means that disease was found, and additional treatment may be needed.

Oral cancers are among the most difficult to treat. They spread more rapidly than most cancers, and only 50% of those diagnosed have a life expectancy of more than five years. Although people over 40, smokers and tobacco dippers are more predisposed to oral cancers, 25% of all victims have no risk factors. In order to diagnose this disease as early as possible for our patients in the Lansing area, biopsies of damaged oral tissue need to be taken as soon as possible.

A biopsy is the process by which a small piece of tissue or bone is taken from your mouth and tested to see if cancerous cells are present. There are two ways to obtain biopsy tissue for oral cancer testing. The most common is a soft tissue biopsy that can be taken using a soft nylon brush. The second type of biopsy requires obtaining and testing a small piece of bone or tooth.

Oral cancers often start as very small white or red spots, or sores on the lips, gum tissue, cheek lining, tongue and soft or hard palette. If you have noticed any of these or have any of the following symptoms, contact us immediately for an examination:

• Color changes of the oral tissues
• Sores that bleed easily and do not heal quickly
• Lumps, thick spots or rough patches of mouth tissue
• Unexplained tenderness or numbness of the mouth or lips
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, moving the jaw or speaking

" The dental procedures we specialize in enhance our
patients' look and their quality of life! "

The best way to fight and treat oral cancer is catch it as early as possible! If you are located in the Lansing, Michigan area, don't hesitate to contact us if you have concerns or would like to learn more.