Oral biopsy. A prospective study on 286 consecutive procedures.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to survey oral biopsy procedures, with particular regard to the incidence of adverse events, patients experience and adequacy of the sample.

METHODS: This prospective survey was conducted by collecting detailed information from consecutive patients undergoing oral biopsy; data were obtained on the same day of oral biopsy and after 7 days.

RESULTS: Data on 286 procedures were collected. About half of the patients had a relevant medical history and were taking one or more medications. During biopsy, the majority of patients (83%) felt no pain, the others reported mild discomfort. Intraoperative adverse events occurred occasionally (4.5%) and were always easily resolved; 18% patients admitted taking painkillers in the days following surgery. The pathologist was always able to make histological diagnosis, although some samples did not include healthy mucosa (32%) or connective tissue (11%).

CONCLUSION: Oral biopsy is a safe and well accepted surgical procedure.