Diagnosis and management of oral disease: biopsies

Question 1

Define biopsy (1)

Answer 1

Removal of tissue for histopathological examination

Question 2

What is an incisional biopsy? (2)

Answer 2

Part of the lesion is removed
Used for large lesions, to establish the diagnosis or where tx depends on diagnosis
-premalignant or malignant lesions

Question 3

What is an excisional biopsy? (2)

Answer 3

The entire lesion is removed
Part of the management of the lesion. Used for small lesions to confirm the diagnosis and for more sinister lesions to establish completeness of excision.
-if lesion is small
-absolutely sure it’s not precancer/ cancer

Question 4

Fine needle aspiration (2)

Answer 4

used to obtain cells from deep lesions. Useful for suspected malignancy or cystic lesions. Not appropriate for the oral cavity.

Question 5

Core/ needle biopsy (1)

Answer 5

used to obtain a small sample or core of tissue from a deep lesion

Question 6

Smear (2)

Answer 6

examination of cells. Generally used for fungal infections

Question 7

Which lesions should be biopsied in general dental practice? (4)

Answer 7

Only biopsy lesions which are easy to biopsy
Only biopsy lesions which you are fairly confident of the diagnosis and you feel able to carry out the treatment.
Do not biopsy bone (unless an apicectomy)
DO NOT biopsy any lesion which you suspect is malignant

Question 8

A good incisional biopsy includes

1

Answer 8

Decent size with full thickness of lesion