Removal of a Mouth Lesion

What is removal of a mouth lesion?

The removal of a lesion from the mouth is a straightforward procedure used to treat growths, ulcers, or abnormal tissues inside your mouth. This may involve excision (cutting out the lesion) or destruction (using heat, laser, or chemicals to remove the lesion). The procedure is often recommended when a lesion causes discomfort, interferes with eating or speaking, or needs to be tested for underlying conditions.

Why might you need a mouth lesion removed?

Mouth lesions can develop for a variety of reasons, such as irritation, infection, or underlying conditions. Common lesions include:

• Ulcers or sores: Persistent or recurring ulcers that don’t heal naturally.
• Benign growths: Non-cancerous lumps, cysts, or fibromas that may interfere with eating or speaking.
• Suspicious lesions: Abnormal tissues that need to be tested for potential cancer or other diseases.
• Viral or bacterial infections: Warts or infectious lesions that can spread or cause discomfort.
• Irritation or trauma: Lesions caused by sharp teeth, poorly fitting dentures, or biting the inside of your mouth.

If a lesion doesn’t heal with conservative treatments or appears abnormal, removal may be necessary for diagnosis or symptom relief.

What does the procedure involve?

The procedure to remove a lesion from the mouth is typically quick and straightforward. It can often be performed under local anaesthetic to numb the area, although general anaesthetic may be used for more complex cases. The process usually involves the following steps:

• Preparation:
  The area around the lesion is cleaned, and anaesthetic is applied to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure.
• Excision or destruction:
• • Excision: If the lesion is to be removed surgically, the doctor uses precise instruments to cut out the affected tissue. Surrounding healthy tissue may also be removed to ensure complete excision.
  • Destruction: Some lesions may be destroyed using heat, a laser, or a chemical agent. This is often used for smaller lesions or those caused by infections.
• Closure and dressing:
  If the excision leaves an open wound, it may be closed with dissolvable stitches. For lesions removed with destruction methods, the area is left to heal naturally.
• Biopsy (if needed):
  The removed tissue is often sent to a laboratory for testing to confirm the diagnosis and rule out serious conditions.

The procedure usually takes 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the size and location of the lesion.

Benefits of mouth lesion removal

Removing a lesion from your mouth can provide several benefits, including:

• Relief from discomfort: Eliminating pain, irritation, or interference with eating and speaking.
• Improved healing: Preventing the lesion from growing or spreading.
• Diagnostic clarity: Allowing for further analysis of the tissue to rule out serious conditions.
• Improved oral function: Restoring normal function and comfort to your mouth.

Are there any risks or complications?

Mouth lesion removal is a safe and routine procedure, but as with any medical treatment, there are some risks, including:

• Bleeding: Minor bleeding is common and usually stops quickly.
• Infection: Rare, but signs include swelling, redness, or discharge from the site.
• Scarring: Depending on the size and location, some scarring may occur, although it’s usually minimal.
• Recurrence: In some cases, the lesion may return, particularly if caused by an underlying condition like infection or irritation.

Your doctor will discuss these risks with you before the procedure and ensure you understand what to expect.

Recovery and aftercare

After mouth lesion removal, it’s normal to experience some mild discomfort or soreness for a few days. Here’s what you can expect and how to care for the area:

• Pain relief: Over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can help manage discomfort.
• Dietary changes:
• • Stick to soft, cool foods to avoid irritation.
  • Avoid hot, spicy, hard, or crunchy foods until the area has healed.
• Oral care:
• • Gently rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution or mouthwash (as advised by your doctor) to keep the area clean.
  • Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol, as these can delay healing.
• Healing: Most people heal fully within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the size and location of the lesion.
• Follow-up: Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments to:
• • Check the healing progress.
  • Discuss biopsy results if tissue was tested.

By carefully following these steps and your doctor’s instructions, you can ensure a smooth recovery and minimise any risks of complications.

By removing problematic lesions, this procedure can improve your comfort and provide important diagnostic clarity