ORAL (MOUTH) 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 excisional 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).

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.

An oral/gum biopsy tests for abnormal or suspicious gum tissue is recommended to help diagnose:

• a sore or lesion in the mouth that lasts longer than two weeks
• a white or red patch on the gum or anywhere in the mouth.
• ulcers in the mouth
• swelling of the gum that doesn’t go away
• changes in the gums and oral tissues that cause loose teeth or dentures.

Biopsy can also be used along with imaging tests to reveal the stage of existing ORAL cancer. Imaging tests include X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans.

The information from biopsy, along with the findings of imaging tests, can help the doctor diagnose mouth cancer as early as possible. An earlier diagnosis means less scarring from removal of tumors and a higher rate of survival.