| Abstrakt: |
Diagnosis of lesions of the soft and osseous tissues of the oral cavity is the responsibility of the dental profession. Biopsy is a safe, simple diagnostic tool available to all members of the profession to assist them in the accurate diagnosis of these lesions. Biopsy should be employed when (1) a careful clinical examination of a lesion fails to lead to the correct diagnosis; (2) precancerous lesions are suspected; (3) a lesion presents the clinical signs of malignant disease; (4) any lesion fails to respond to recognized therapy in a limited time. An alert clinician who intelligently employs the biopsy as a diagnostic procedure will, on occasion, discover early malignant lesions that have not as yet developed the classic signs of malignant tumors. This is early diagnosis in its truest sense, and as more dentists and physicians adopt this means of identifying questionable lesions, inroads into the ravages of oral malignant disease will definitely be made. The days of “watchful waiting” are past, and prompt, definitive professional action is indicated. Biopsy procedures should become an integral part of the diagnostic regime of all professional people associated with the healing arts. |
