Avoiding artefacts in oral biopsies: the punch biopsy versus the incisional biopsy

Fifty oral biopsy specimens were removed, 24 with a punch and 26 by conventional incision with a scalpel. All specimens were routinely processed in the histopathology laboratory and examined for artefacts. Significantly fewer artefacts were found in the punch biopsy group compared to the incisional biopsy group. Access for the punch was not found to be a problem.