TONGUE, CHEEK OR GUM BIOPSY

General Information

DEFINITION-Removal of tissue from the oral cavity.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED-Tongue; cheek; gums; roof of mouth; salivary glands under the tongue.

REASONS FOR SURGERY-Usually performed to determine if any unusual lesion in the mouth is cancerous. Laboratory examination of the removed tissue aids in diagnosis.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Adults over 60.
• Smoking.
• Excess alcohol consumption.
• Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
• Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES-Dentist, oral surgeon, general surgeon or ear, nose and throat specialist.

WHERE PERFORMED-Hospital, outpatient surgical facility or doctor's, dentist's or oral surgeon's office.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies.
• After surgery: Laboratory examination of removed tissue.

ANESTHESIA

• Local anesthesia by injection.
• General anesthesia (sometimes) by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• The area where the tissue is to be gathered is numbed with a local anesthetic.
• Abnormal tissue and a small amount of healthy surrounding tissue is removed.
• Small stitches may be needed to close the incision. These usually can be removed in 3 to 5 days after surgery.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY-None.

PROBABLE OUTCOME-Tissue obtained successfully without complications in virtually all cases. Allow about 2 weeks for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

GENERAL MEASURES

• Beginning 24 hours after surgery, rinse your mouth every 1 or 2 hours with a solution of 1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 oz. warm water.
• Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush. A clean mouth heals faster.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions.

DIET-Resuming normal food and fluid intake after surgery will ensure rapid healing. If your regular diet is too difficult, try a high--protein liquid diet for 2 or 3 days.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.