Hi everyone,
I’m having a biopsy done tomorrow on a leukoplakia spot on my cheek. I’m wondering what to expect during and after. He said there would be a couple stitches but didn’t go into detail. Does the biopsy hurt? How does it feel afterwards? Will I feel up to caring for my 17 month old? Should my husband stay home from work Saturday? My mind is reeling with all the uncertainty

By now, you probably have already had your biopsy so I wont bother to review all the possible ways of getting one and the after effects of each. I wish you had posted this earlier so I could have given you the info before your procedure. Always remember when reading any replies to your questions... everybody is different and will respond in their own unique way. Where one person is in alot of pain, another may barely feel any discomfort. Hopefully you will be one of the lucky ones who doesnt feel too much discomfort after the grogginess or numbness wears off.

Your mouth will probably hurt once any anesthesia/local anesthetic wears off. Mouth pain can be very intense for many patients. Stitches can be uncomfortable making eating and drinking more difficult. Depending on how deep the biopsy is taken will be a major factor in how much pain you will have. Im sure your mouth will be swollen too which can also bring added pain with the swelling pushing on the nerves. Im thinking way back to my very first biopsy where I was put to sleep, my mouth hurt pretty bad for the first couple days. Maybe about 4 days later I barely noticed any pain. But I also had 2 tumors that were biopsied so that could be why it hurt so much??? You may not feel well enough for the first day or 2 to chase after an active toddler. But that toddler is a great motivator to help you to recover quicker. Im sure you dont want to miss any of your childs firsts by being cooped up in bed.

We all are most fearful of the unknown. Waiting is another thing that fuels many patients anxiety levels. Take a deep breath, stay busy and try taking it day by day. As of right now, this moment you have NOT been diagnosed with anything serious. Dont let the "what if's" steal your time away from you by thinking the worst. Make the most of everyday, go out and make memories with your precious toddler and husband. Every day keep yourself very busy and active, this helps the time pass by quicker and helps alleviate anxiety by keeping you focused on other things. Its not easy to do but with practice you can overcome it.

Hang in there! Please let us know how you make out with your results. Best wishes!!!


Main OCF site, Understanding oral cancer

Hello there, I don't usually post much, as I have not ever been diagnosed. However, I have had a biopsy in my mouth and it was quite deep and did require a stitch or two. Mine came back negative. It was uncomfortable for a few days after the numbness wore off and left a bruise all the way through to the outer surface of the skin of my cheek, that was my personal experience. I am now waiting on another biopsy and ultrasound on November 30th. Hopefully this will be another scar/luekoplakia issue. I hope that your biopsy goes well.