Biopsy in Washington DC & McLean VA

Your dentist is often your first line of defense against oral cancer. If your dentist has referred you to Dr. Saltman, oral and maxillofacial surgeon for a biopsy, it is because they have seen or felt something unusual in your mouth. A biopsy can rule out cancer or confirm it.

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Don’t Panic; Most Lesions are Benign!

It is normal to worry when you hear the word “biopsy,” but there is no reason to panic. Dentists and physicians have a duty to protect your health, and a biopsy helps them do this. Although most lesions are benign, a biopsy can rule out cancer in any situation where there is uncertainty. Even if your dentist or doctor is confident the lesion in your mouth is not cancer, they will suggest a biopsy. Erring on the side of caution protects you in the rare event that a lesion is cancerous. Over 80% of oral biopsies are negative.

What is an Oral Biopsy?

An oral biopsy determines whether certain abnormal cells on the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat are cancerous. At your biopsy appointment, Dr. Saltman, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, will examine your mouth, lips, and throat, then he removes some tissue from the affected area to be tested at Johns Hopkins Hospital Pathology department. The test results are then sent to Dr. Saltman and he will contact you immediately.

What Are Different Types of Oral Biopsy

Not all biopsies are the same. Dr. Saltman, oral and maxillofacial surgeon will decide on the type of biopsy based on several factors, including the type of lesion or lump, size, and location. All oral biopsies are done at our offices in Washington DC and Mclean VA.

What is Incisional Biopsy? And how is it done?

During an incisional biopsy, Dr. Saltman, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, cuts out a portion of tissue for testing. All incisional biopsies can be done in our offices in Washington DC and Mclean VA under local anesthesia ,or local anesthesia and nitrous oxide analgesia (laughing gas). If you prefer to have general anesthesia, we can take care of it in-office as well.

What is Excisional Biopsy? (Excision of lesion) And how is it done?

In some cases, an excision of the involved area is warranted. Fo this type of Biopsy, Dr. Salatman. Oral and maxillofacial surgeon, cuts out the entire lesion and some of the healthy tissue around it. After an excisional biopsy, he will stitch close the site. You will experience some tenderness and minimum bleeding following the excision.

What is Fine-Needle Aspiration biopsy? And how is it done?

This is usually reserved for suspicious lumps or bumps on the neck. Dr. Saltman, oral and maxillofacial surgeon inserts a fine needle into the area to withdraw cells or fluid from the lump after numbing the area. The cells or fluid are sent to the pathology department at Johns Hopkins Hospital for testing.

The Oral Biopsy Procedure

The biopsy site may be sore for a few days. Tylenol, together with an anti-inflammatory medication such as Aleve or Advil can help minimize your discomfort.

It can take up to two weeks to get oral biopsy results. Although it may be difficult, try not to stress while waiting. A longer waiting time does not mean the results are a concern. Reviewing and interpreting the results of a biopsy takes time and skill. A pathologist at Johns Hopkins Hospital will review the biopsy taken by Dr. Saltman under microscope. The Pathologist carefully double-checks everything to ensure nothing is missed then will send the report to Dr. Saltman. Generally, Dr. Saltman will call you on the day he receives the result.

Why Did My Dentist Recommend a Biopsy?

Any abnormality in the mouth, throat, or on the lips could indicate oral cancer. However, it is not always the case. When a biopsy is recommended, it is often to rule out cancer rather than confirm it. If you have any of the following symptoms, a biopsy is recommended:

Reddish or whitish patches in the mouth

An oral or lip sore that does not heal or bleeds easily

Thickening of the lining of the mouth

A lump or bump inside the mouth or on the gums

Difficulty chewing and swallowing

Chronic sore throat

Chronic hoarseness

If you have any of the above symptoms, particularly if you use tobacco, are a heavy drinker, or have had cancer in the past, an oral biopsy is the most effective way to rule out or confirm cancer.