In what cases is a biopsy done at a dental clinic?

An oral biopsy takes part of a lesion to examine under a microscope, and it is performed 1) when cancer is suspected - for example an ulcer that has not healed in 2 to 3 weeks, or a white or red patch that does not wipe away, 2) when a lesion does not respond to medication and grows or changes shape, and 3) when the nature of a cyst or lump has to be confirmed. It is done under local anesthesia in a short time, and results usually come back within 1 to 2 weeks. When necessary we refer you to a university hospital where a biopsy can be performed; because early diagnosis matters, a suspicious lesion should not be put off.