Biopsy techniques and diagnoses & treatment of mucocutaneous lesions

Oral mucosal lesions are commonly encountered in clinical practice. One study reported that they occurred in approximately 27.9% of patients aged 17 years and older and in 10.3% of children aged 2 to 17 years. The diagnosis and treatment of mucosal diseases should be an integral part of the general practitioner's practice. According to an American Dental Association survey conducted in 2007, 44% of biopsies were performed by a general practictioner. Understanding of the fundamentals of diagnosing mucocutaneous lesions requires a sound knowledge of their origin and clinical course, and of biopsy methods using contemporary diagnostic tools and techniques.