Oral Pathology & Biopsy
Most mouth ulcers, patches and lumps are harmless, but some need a closer look. Dr Tom Jaunay assesses and treats ulcers, white or red patches, lumps in the mouth and lips, and cysts of the jaw, and takes a biopsy where a diagnosis is needed.
When should a mouth sore be checked?
Use the three-week rule: any ulcer, lump, or red or white patch that has not healed three weeks after removing an obvious cause should be seen by your dentist or doctor. See them promptly, without waiting, for an ulcer with raised or hard edges, a red patch, a lump that is fixed or growing, unexplained numbness of the lip or tongue, or a lump in the neck that does not go away.
What is a biopsy?
A biopsy is a small sample of tissue that a pathologist examines under a microscope to give a diagnosis. For a small lesion that looks harmless we usually remove the whole thing, which often treats it at the same time. For a larger area we take a sample from the most abnormal part. Most biopsies are done under local anaesthetic in our rooms.
After the results
- Benign (not cancer): we explain the result and send a report to your dentist. Most need no further treatment.
- Potentially malignant changes: removal or regular monitoring, with a shared plan with your dentist.
- Cancer: prompt referral to a specialist head and neck cancer team, following the Australian optimal care pathway.
Fees
| Treatment | Typical fee |
|---|---|
| Oral biopsy (Medicare item 30075) | $475, with a Medicare rebate of $152 |
| Anaesthetist (general anaesthetic only) | $500–$900 |
| Hospital (general anaesthetic only) | $1,350–$2,650 |
The pathology laboratory bills separately for examining the sample. There is no charge for your post-operative review. You will receive a written estimate before treatment. See About our Fees (PDF).
Where we treat you
Consultations are at our rooms in Macquarie Street (Sydney City), Hurstville and Miranda, 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. Surgery under general anaesthetic is performed at Kareena Private Hospital, Waratah Private Hospital or Sydney Day Surgery Prince Alfred. See our locations.
Getting started
Ask your dentist or GP for a referral to Dr Tom Jaunay, then call us on 02 8513 9810 or contact us to book. Please bring your referral and any X-rays or scans.
Read our mouth sores and biopsy common questions →
Warning signs, risk factors, white and red patches, harmless lumps, what a biopsy involves and what our biopsies show, with references.