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Biopsies are a common procedure, but what are they, and why would you need one? The role of an oral surgeon goes far beyond ensuring the health of your teeth. As well as oral health, they specialize in head and neck health. Oral surgeons can also spot many diseases related to your physical health, including oral cancer. To confirm a cancer diagnosis, a biopsy may be performed.
Today, let’s take a look at biopsies, how they work, and how long it takes for these biopsies to provide results. Read until the end and discover what oral biopsies can do for you.
When will I hear back after my mouth biopsy? Most patients hear back within two weeks of an oral biopsy, while a pathologist examines the tissue sample under a microscope in a laboratory. Timing can vary, so ask your provider how long your wait is likely to be and call the office if you have not heard back by then.
What are Biopsies?
An oral biopsy is used to examine tissue from the patient’s oral cavity to help diagnose the cause of an abnormal area. Simply put, biopsies are procedures in which a small piece of tissue is removed from an area to be examined under a microscope in detail.
Oral surgeons may notice symptoms that concern them while examining your teeth. A routine exam can reveal signs of many diseases. Some changes in the mouth can be signs of health conditions that may need further testing, such as:
- Diabetes
- HIV
- Oral Cancer
- Oral Infections
- Osteoporosis
- Stress
Checking for Oral Cancers and Having a Biopsy
A biopsy is the main way to confirm or rule out mouth or oropharyngeal cancer. A tissue sample from the affected area will help your pathologist look at tissues under microscopes to see if cancer cells are present. If an abnormal area is found, your provider may recommend an oral biopsy evaluation to find out what it is.
There are several tests used to examine the mouth and throat and, where needed, take a biopsy. These include:
- incisional biopsy
- nasendoscopy
- panendoscopy
You might also have biopsies to check for cancer in swollen lymph nodes or neck lumps.
Oral Biopsies: Looking Inside Mouth, Throat, and Airways
You usually have a nasendoscopy test to look at the inside of your nose, your mouth, and the back of your throat. Meanwhile, you might also have a panendoscopy wherein your doctor does biopsies of abnormal areas at the back of the mouth and throat.
Practitioners can take a biopsy without using a panendoscope if the abnormal area is easy to reach, for example, on your lip or the inside of your cheek. This test is an incisional biopsy.
Nasendoscopy
Biopsies were done as a nasendoscopy was tested to look at the inside of the mouth, the throat or pharynx, and the voice box or larynx.
Before – Before your panendoscopy, you usually have a pre-assessment appointment. This step prepares you before your scheduled operation. Meeting the members of your treatment team will also happen during this appointment.
During – While you are asleep, your surgeon uses the panendoscope to look at your throat, voice box, nose, top of your windpipe, and top of your windpipe. Any abnormal areas may take biopsies, which are sent to the laboratory to be looked at under a microscope.
After – You usually go home the same day after you have recovered from the anesthetic. As you have a general anesthetic, you’ll need someone to take you home and stay with you overnight. Also, for the next 24 hours, you shouldn’t drive, drink alcohol, or operate heavy machinery.
Panendoscopy
Panendoscopies are tests to look at your upper airway. This test includes your mouth, nose, voice box, and top of your food pipe.
Before – Before your panendoscopy, you usually have a pre-assessment appointment. This event prepares you for everything needed for your operation. You will also meet members of your treatment team at this appointment.
During – While you are asleep, your surgeon uses the panendoscope to look closely at any areas of concern. If there are abnormal areas, biopsies are taken and sent to the laboratory to be examined under a microscope.
After – You usually go home after you have recovered from the anesthetic. This is usually on the same day. As you have a general anesthetic, someone should be with you to take you home and stay with you during the night. For 24 hours afterward, you shouldn’t drive, drink alcohol, or operate heavy machinery.
Scalpel or Incisional Biopsy
An incisional biopsy removes a small piece of tissue from the affected area. It is sometimes called a scalpel biopsy. You have it under local anesthetic.
Before – Take all your usual medicines as normal unless your doctor or nurse tells you otherwise. If you take blood-thinning medication, tell your doctor before your biopsy. Don’t stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.
Practitioners will explain what will happen and ask you to sign a consent form. This session is an excellent time to ask any questions. Biopsies take a few minutes, but you will be at the office for about 30 to 60 minutes. This extra time lets you be:
- comfortable before they start the biopsy
- given time to understand why you’re having the biopsy
- checked by the care team to make sure you’re well enough to go home afterward
During – You’ll usually be seated in a reclined treatment chair. Once ready, your doctor injects local anesthetic into the targeted areas to numb them.
Practitioners cut around the affected area using a scalpel, gently lift the piece of tissue using a pair of tweezers, and cut it off. This procedure may be uncomfortable but only lasts a short time. For many people, the most awkward part is the local anesthetic injection.
The biopsy is sent to the laboratory. Pathologists look at the sample under a microscope to see if there are any cancer cells.
After – You can usually go home soon after your biopsy.
Getting the Results
You usually get your biopsy results within two (2) weeks. Waiting for biopsy results can genuinely be a worrying and concerning time. Ask your provider how long your results are likely to take. If you haven’t heard back within that time, call the office to follow up.
If your dentist or doctor has noticed a sore, patch, or lump in your mouth that needs a closer look, an oral biopsy can help find out what it is. Access Oral Surgery serves patients from Summerville, Nexton, Ladson and surrounding Charleston-area communities, and we explain each step of the procedure, how your sample is handled, and when to expect your results. Schedule a consultation to talk through your next steps.
If you have questions while you wait, contact your care team. If the wait feels hard, it can help to talk with a close friend or relative about how you feel.
Final Thoughts on Biopsies
A biopsy helps find oral cancer and other conditions early, when treatment is often more effective. If your provider has recommended a biopsy, ask any questions you have before the procedure.
If you’ve been referred for a biopsy or have noticed a change in your mouth, the team at Access Oral Surgery is here to help.
Written and medically reviewed by Adam McKinney, DMD | Last reviewed: September 26, 2026
