Like any disease or condition, early detection is the key to a positive outcome for oral cancer. The only way to accurately diagnose oral cancer is often through a biopsy of the area in question. At Empire Dental Specialty group, our experienced oral surgeons can perform a biopsy to detect cancer, even in its earliest stages.
What is an Oral Biopsy?
Our oral surgeons remove a small portion of abnormal tissues from the oral cavity during a biopsy. This tissue may come from the cheeks, tongue, lips, gums, or soft palate. It is then sent to a lab for analysis by a pathologist who identifies whether the tissue is cancerous.
When A Biopsy Should Be Scheduled
If you or your dentist notices any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment for an oral biopsy:
- Unusual lumps, bumps, or white patches found in your mouth
- Feeling like something is stuck in the back of your throat
- Chronic sore throat
- Unexplained swelling of the cheeks, lips, gums, and jaw
- Unexplained numbness
- Shifting teeth
Use these symptoms as a guide, and don’t let potential cancerous lesions go undetected.
How An Empire Dental Oral Surgeon Can Help
At Empire Dental, we want you to know that we understand having a biopsy can be scary. We’ll take the necessary steps to ensure you are comfortable throughout the process. We begin by using a local anesthetic near the lesion to numb the area. After the anesthetic has taken effect, we remove the lesion and submit it to the pathologist. You can expect results in approximately 7-14 days.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you are worried about an abnormal spot in your mouth, contact Empire Dental Specialists in Beavercreek or West Chester to schedule a consultation. Our Oral Surgery team can examine concerning spots and extract a biopsy to test. If your tests come back positive, we can provide further treatment options to alleviate your concerns.
