ORAL BIOPSY

[lidlicker]

My dentist noticed some 'abnormal' inside by left cheek and referred me to the oral department of our hospital.
The doctor said there was a white patch and I have to go 4th Jan for a biopsy.
Has anyone had this, or even heard of it? I don't smoke or drink and I am slightly worried.

[rowanwitch]

http://www.nhs.uk/con...ges/Introduction.aspx

Usually nothing to worry about
as you don't smoke or drink even less reason to worry
If it is small they might do an excision biopsy where they remove the whole patch...

[Kromovaracun]

Since January, I've had a weird growth on my tongue which goes and comes with varying size. It sounds a bit different to yours. At first they thought it was fungal, but the medicine didn't work and so I was referred to a specialist, who put me in for a biopsy. I don't smoke or drink either.

In my case it was a form of 'dysplasia' - essentially something going wrong in the maturation of the skin cells which can either gradually become worse (eventually tumor - but not without a fair bit of warning/progression if that makes sense) or (far more likely) it can go away on its own. Fortunately, mine appears to be doing the latter.

Bear in mind biopsies are pretty much only diagnostic - if your doctor was convinced it was something nasty, you'd be getting something else most likely. I really do empathise how uncomfortable and worrying it is to have a strange growth you can't explain, but that's pretty much the best way to find out what it is.

Be warned though - mine hurt like f*ck afterwards. I had to use some painkillers my dad had left over from his hernia operation. I'm not trying to scare you or anything but it's a precaution worth taking belive me!

[rowanwitch]

Inside the cheek should be less painful ( tongue is much worse due to the number of nerve endings.) Make sure you have ibuprofen and paracetamol available and some good mouthwash ask the pharmacist for advice.

[J9PUR]

There are many potential diagnoses of a 'white patch' that can affect the inside of your cheek, and many of them are completely benign and need no treatment other than monitoring. It's easy to say, but try not to worry, and try not to self-diagnose on the internet and speculate as to what it may be. I'm reasured that your dentist was checking all of the soft tissues inside your mouth and made an appropriate referral if s/he had any concerns. Please keep us informed as to your treatment.

[sara3]

I had a biopsy on my tongue a few years back, as I had a white patch. I think the test result were "geographical tongue" or something odd sounding! anyway, it went of its own accord, no problem.

I have to agree with Kromo.. the local anaesthetic hurt some, and it wasn't much fun after. have someone there to drive you home!

I don't drink or smoke, either.

[divegirl]

Hi, having just had the most awful scare myself I really do feel for you. You've had great advice so far, so please try not to worry, easier said than done but I'm sure everything will be just fine for you.
You are in my thoughts

Lisa x

[lidlicker]

Thank you all SO MUCH. I feel so much better after reading your replies.
I shall let you know how the biopsy went, although I don't get any results for three weeks.
Thanks again, all of you.

[boxtops]

good luck lidlicker - the procedure is nothing to worry about!