This webpage has been designed to improve understanding of Mouth Biopsies and contains answers to the most commonly asked questions about this treatment. If you have any other questions that the website does not answer or would like further explanation please ask a member of our medical staff.

What is a biopsy?
A biopsy is a procedure where a small piece of tissue is removed from an area so that it can be looked at closely under a microscope. The biopsy may aim to remove an area completely (an excision biopsy). This is usually only appropriate for small lumps or swellings. Occasionally only a small piece of an abnormal area is removed to confirm a diagnosis (an incisional biopsy).

How is it done?
In most cases biopsies are carried out under local anaesthesia (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. The biopsy usually leaves a small hole that often requires stitching. In the majority of cases the stitches used are dissolvable and take around two weeks to disappear. The whole process (local anaesthetic injection, biopsy and stitching) usually takes around 15 minutes from start to finish.

Is there much soreness or swelling afterwards?
When the local anaesthetic wears off after a few hours there is relatively little in the way of pain or swelling. Occasionally it is necessary to take simple painkillers (eg Paracetamol, Nurofen). Usually any discomfort only lasts a few days.

Will there be much bleeding?
Although there may be a little bleeding at the time of biopsy this usually stops very quickly and is unlikely to be a problem if the wound is stitched. Should the area bleed again, this can usually be stopped by applying pressure over the area for at least 10 minutes with a rolled up handkerchief or swab. If the bleeding does not stop please contact Pacific Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Does this procedure require any time off work?
This largely depends on the job and how the patient feels after the procedure. Most people are able to return to work later the same day.

Is there any post operative care?
Be careful not to bite numb areas of the mouth. On the day of surgery, the patient should avoid rinsing their mouth out vigorously as this may cause bleeding. They should clean their teeth normally, including those teeth next to the site of the biopsy. If food catches around the stitches then the area can be gently rinsed with a mouthwash or warm salt water (dissolve a teaspoon of kitchen salt in a cup of warm water) commencing on the day after surgery.

Is another appointment required?
Since the stitches are dissolvable a review appointment is not always necessary but patients will usually be given one so that the results of the biopsy can be discussed in detail.

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