Watch Now to Learn What to Expect
Did you know?
Oral cancer’s mortality is particularly high because it is often discovered in a late stage. It is not hard to detect or diagnose, but many patients neglect proper oral health check-ups where it can be found. Your family dentist or oral surgeon is in the best position to detect oral cancer during your routine dental examinations.
In the event that you find a suspicious-looking place in your mouth, the best course of action is to start with a routine exam at your general dentist.
Biopsies & Pathology
A biopsy is a straightforward procedure where a small sample of tissue is removed from a suspicious area and examined under a microscope to determine if abnormalities are present in the cells. At Tennessee Valley Oral Surgery, our skilled surgeons routinely perform biopsies on oral, head, and neck tissues with precision, comfort, and efficiency.
If your dentist or physician identifies an area of concern, they'll often refer you to an oral surgeon for a biopsy. We work closely with your healthcare team to ensure you receive the best possible care throughout the process.
What to Expect During Your Biopsy
Your comfort is our top priority. Most biopsies are quick and minimally invasive, typically performed under local anesthesia to numb the area completely. During the procedure:
- We remove a small piece of tissue from the area in question.
- The sample is carefully preserved and sent to a specialized pathology laboratory.
- A pathologist thoroughly examines the sample under a microscope to provide a detailed diagnosis.
You may experience minor discomfort or swelling afterward, but this typically resolves quickly and can easily be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Receiving Your Results
Once the biopsy is complete, we’ll review your pathology results promptly. Our surgeons will typically call you to discuss your results in detail, explaining what they mean and recommending any necessary next steps. Our goal is to keep you fully informed and confident in your treatment plan every step of the way.
Early detection and diagnosis of oral, head, and neck conditions greatly improve treatment outcomes. In the event that your results require further treatment, we have great relationships with local providers who can take care of you. If you have any concerns or need more information, reach out to our experienced team—we're here to help.