title: Oral cancer and precancer: establishing a diagnosis.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Bramley
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000473:pathology*; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D013048:Specimen Handling