Oral cancer and precancer: establishing a diagnosis

In this article in the Oral Cancer series, consideration is given to the various factors that should be taken into account in deciding upon, and carrying out, a biopsy of potentially malignant lesions of the oral mucosa. The ways in which a biopsy specimen may be spoiled by incorrect handling are described, and advice is provided on the procedures to be followed when submitting such material to a pathology laboratory. Other methods of sampling tissues for diagnostic purposes are briefly reviewed, followed by an account of the main pathological features of oral cancer and precancer.