KY
A 27-year-old male asked:
How accurate is a biopsy? i hav a lesion that is 10mm length x 6mm width on my hard palate been there almost a yr doc said its a vascular malformation
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Jeffrey Jarvisanswered
Dentistry 38 years experience
Very accurate: A biopsy that is properly done is very accurate, and you should have great confidence in your diagnosis. But, it is only accurate for the exact time and status of the lesion when the biopsy was performed. Some biopsies may be inconclusive, or the lesion may mature into some other presentation over time. Be sure that you follow up with your physician or dentist with regular checkups to follow it.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. J. Blake Perkinsanswered
Dentistry 22 years experience
Very: Biopsies are very accurate, as long as the tissue sample given to the pathology lab is in good condition, and includes a small amount of non-affected tissue beyond the borders of the lesion in question to have a comparison sample. If the tissue sample is in poor condition, or damaged in the tissue removal process, it may be very difficult for the pathologist to give an accurate reading.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated May 5, 2016
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