Pathology (Biopsy)
You may be referred for evaluation and biopsy of tissue from within your mouth, jaws, or on your face and lips.
Sometimes it is impossible to diagnose a lesion from a clinical exam only. For this reason, tissue is removed from the body in order to allow for its examination under a microscope by a pathologist. It often takes approximately one to two weeks, depending on the specimen, in order to have a diagnosis returned.
Biopsies are usually performed in an office setting. Occasionally, depending on the location and size of the lesion, it may be necessary for the patient to be placed asleep for the procedure. If this is the case, your initial appointment will be a consultation to discuss the procedure.
When Dr. Hornaday receives the results of your biopsy he will personally call to inform you. No information will left on a answering machine for privacy purposes.