Name of the Procedure:

Common Name: Biopsy of Oral Tissue - Soft Technical Term: D7286 - Oral Soft Tissue Biopsy

Summary

A biopsy of oral tissue involves removing a small sample of soft tissue from the mouth for laboratory testing. This sample is examined under a microscope to diagnose various conditions, including infections, pre-cancerous changes, and other abnormalities.

Purpose

The procedure helps diagnose:

• Oral cancer
• Pre-cancerous lesions
• Infections
• Inflammatory conditions

The goal is to identify the cause of abnormal tissue changes and guide further treatment.

Indications

• Unexplained sores or lesions in the mouth that do not heal
• Lumps or thickening inside the mouth
• Areas of red or white patches that persist
• Persistent pain or bleeding in the mouth
• Dentists or doctors suspecting oral cancer or other serious conditions

Preparation

Patients should:

• Discuss any medications they are taking with their healthcare provider.
• Follow fasting instructions if sedation is used.
• Undergo preliminary blood tests or imaging studies if recommended by the doctor.

Procedure Description

1. Numbing the Area: The dentist or oral surgeon will numb the area with a local anesthetic.
2. Removing Tissue: A small sample of the abnormal tissue is removed using a scalpel or specialized biopsy instrument.
3. Stopping Bleeding: Pressure is applied, and sometimes sutures are used to close the biopsy site.
4. Sending to Lab: The tissue sample is placed in a container and sent to a pathology lab for examination.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 15-30 minutes.

Setting

This procedure can be performed in:

• Dental offices
• Outpatient clinics
• Hospital settings, if necessary

Personnel

• Dentist or Oral Surgeon
• Nurse or Dental Assistant

Risks and Complications

Common risks include:

• Infection at the biopsy site
• Bleeding
• Pain and swelling Rare complications:
• Nerve damage
• Allergic reaction to the anesthetic Management includes antibiotics, pain medication, and follow-up visits.

Benefits

• Accurate diagnosis of mouth conditions
• Early detection of oral cancer
• Effective treatment planning Benefits typically realized within a few days to weeks following the procedure.

Recovery

• Avoid eating or drinking until the anesthetic wears off.
• Follow a soft food diet for the first day or two.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol.
• Use prescribed mouth rinses or medications.
• Generally, recovery takes a few days to a week.
• Follow-up appointment to discuss the biopsy results.

Alternatives

• Observation and monitoring of the lesion.
• Imaging studies such as MRI or CT scan.
• Non-invasive tests, but they may not provide a definitive diagnosis. Pros: Non-invasive, no discomfort. Cons: Less accurate, delay in definitive diagnosis.

Patient Experience

During the procedure:

• Minimal discomfort due to local anesthesia.
• Pressure but no pain when the tissue is removed. After the procedure:
• Mild to moderate pain manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Slight swelling and minor bleeding.
• Recommendations for minimizing discomfort include cold compresses and prescribed pain medication.