Post-Op – Oral Pathology
The tissue is sent to a pathologist to examine under a microscope to get a definitive diagnosis, and this process may take up to 3 weeks for the result to be returned. Your care after a biopsy or more extensive procedure is dependent on the exact procedure done. You should carefully follow the instructions given to you on the day of the procedure.
In general, most small biopsies or removal of small lesions (“lumps”) in your mouth involves making an incision, removing the lesion, and placing some stitches that generally dissolve on their own between 5 and 14 days. A small amount of swelling may occur, possibly even some bruising, but in many cases there is none. While pain is of course variable, most biopsy procedures result in very little discomfort and are similar to having bit your tongue for a couple of days, with perhaps some tenderness to touch and even a small blood tinge in your saliva.
If you feel you have much more swelling or bleeding than is normal, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 506-859-7200.