Oral cancer will often appear as red, white or discolored patches or lumps, or as an ulcer that does not heal.
Evaluating Biopsy
If our oral surgeon evaluates an oral lesion, he will want to know how the spot appeared, and will then wait for about two weeks to see if it resolves. If the lesion has not partially or completely healed in two weeks, a biopsy is usually needed.
Performing Biopsy
To perform a biopsy, the doctor numbs the area and then uses a scalpel to remove part or all of the suspicious lesion, and often some healthy tissue as well. The tissue sample is then sent to a lab where a pathologist evaluates it under a high-power microscope to aid in the diagnosis.
If you have any questions or concerns about oral cancer, please call our office.