Oral Biopsy

makkie said:

Please could someone tell me (for those that experienced it) how long it takes for the tongue to heal after an oral biopsy and is it a safe procedure? 

And most importantly, is the white patch in my mouth very concerning?

Hi Makkie

I had a tongue biopsy and felt quite comfortable with it after a week. The discomfort up to that was fairly minor and controlled with paracetamol.

I had a GA for my biopsy as it was quite far back and the surgeon wanted to look at my throat too. I have a neighbour who had a biopsy further forward just under local. Both are very safe procedures. They don't take much tissue.

Has Leukoplakia and its significance been mentioned by whoever referred you?

Hi  Makkie

2023

I had Tonsil and neck lump biopsies performed under local anaesthetic.... pretty straightforward with little discomfort, first lot were inconclusive so had to go back for a repeat performance.... tonsil on left side was swollen, infection set in after burning the area with hot soup....my only initial symptoms 

Peter 

Good evening, Makkie. I have had a few biopsies in the head and neck area, and in most cases, they are perfectly safe and they heal up okay. Steer clear of food like curry, acidic foods, and drinks a bit like you would if you had an ulcer. I know its hard but nobody knows 100% what the symptoms are until the biopsy results, which i am led to believe take up to 3 weeks. Please steer clear of Googling any issues as they are misleading just stick with us or other cancer groups/sites. Wishing you all the best.

                                                                                 Chris x

Thanks for your reply. The specialist doctor that reviewed the tongue said something about dysplasia, he said he couldn't confirm it without a biopsy. I have a white patch under my tongue, that is not scrappable. Initally though, I went in for a black spot, which disappeared before my appointment, the doctor also looked at the back of my tongue as I mentioned white spots.. but to me this looks like the circumvallate papillae. 

Thanks Peter, I read up on the biopsy and what concerned me was the nerve damage

Thank you Chris. The GP did an urgent referral. When I went to my dentist and showed him though, he said it was normal but could refer me (he didn't know I was already referred). Initial concern was a black spot, which has gone but there is a white patch under my tongue which is also concerning. Thanks

I had that procedure carried out under local anathetic and the pain was minimal and controlled with paracetamol.  Feel free to read my profile but please remember that until you receive a diagnosis try not to worry.  

Thanks Mick - read your profile - happy for you! How long did it take for your tongue to heal after the procedure? Thanks

The biopsy was carried out on a Saturday and the stitch fell out that night and  I was able to return work on Monday morning (i don't know if I was lucky).  When do.you have your biopsy?

I hada biopsy last year with local anaesthetic. Hurt a fair bit that day, but not too bad after that.

Stitches did take nearly 2 weeks to disappear.