Oral biopsy — taking the uncertainty out of a suspicious lesion.
When a lesion in the mouth can't be confidently diagnosed by inspection alone, a biopsy gives a definitive answer. A small piece of tissue is removed under local anaesthetic (intra-oral injections) and sent to a pathology laboratory. The procedure itself is brief and well-tolerated; the answer it produces is the foundation for any clinical decision that follows.
What it is
Removing a small tissue sample for laboratory diagnosis.
An oral biopsy is the controlled, surgical removal of a small piece of mucosa or other oral tissue, which is then preserved and sent to a pathology laboratory. There, a specialist pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope and issues a written report identifying — to the extent possible — exactly what the lesion is.
Biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis of most chronic mucosal conditions, suspicious patches, persistent ulcers, pigmented lesions, and any lesion where the clinical appearance leaves real uncertainty.
When we recommend one
The thresholds for biopsy.
- An ulcer that has not healed in two to three weeks
- White or red patches that cannot be wiped off (leukoplakia, erythroplakia)
- Lumps, thickenings, or raised lesions of uncertain origin
- Lesions with an irregular border or mixed colour
- Suspected lichen planus, pemphigoid, or other immune-mediated mucosal conditions
- Pigmented lesions (most are benign, but melanoma is a possibility)
- Any lesion in a high-risk patient where confirmation matters
The procedure
What happens on the day.
Most oral biopsies are performed in the practice in a single visit, typically taking 20 to 30 minutes from start to finish.
Anaesthesia. Local anaesthetic injections numb the area. You remain awake and comfortable throughout.
The sample. A small piece of tissue — usually 4 to 8 mm — is excised with a scalpel or punch instrument. For some lesions we remove the entire visible area (excisional biopsy); for others we take a representative sample (incisional biopsy).
Closure. The site is closed with a few small dissolving sutures. Some sites heal well without sutures and are left to heal by secondary intention.
Aftercare. Most patients experience mild discomfort for a day or two, managed with over-the-counter pain medication. We provide written aftercare instructions including dietary modifications and oral hygiene guidance for the healing period.
Results
Typically 10 to 14 days.
The laboratory report typically arrives within 10 to 14 days. We invite you back to discuss the findings in person — or where the result is unequivocally benign, we'll communicate by phone or email if you prefer.
Whatever the result, a written report goes to you and to your referring dentist. If further treatment is needed, we discuss the options and timing. If a referral to another specialist (oncology, dermatology, rheumatology) is appropriate, we coordinate that directly.
Common questions
Frequently asked.
Clinical content
Reviewed by Dr Christa Blignaut and Dr Leande Kotze. Last reviewed 16 May 2026.