HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What does an exfoliative biopsy involve?

1. A surgical removal of the entire lesion

2. A diagnostic procedure where cells are scraped from a suspect oral lesion

3. Analysis of blood samples for infections

4. An imaging technique to visualize oral abnormalities

The correct answer is: A diagnostic procedure where cells are scraped from a suspect oral lesion

An exfoliative biopsy is a diagnostic procedure specifically designed for examining cells from a suspect oral lesion. In this process, a healthcare professional will gently scrape the surface of the lesion to collect a sample of cells. This collected sample is then examined under a microscope to identify any abnormal cellular changes, which can help in the diagnosis of various conditions, including precancerous lesions and cancers within the oral cavity. This technique is particularly beneficial because it is less invasive compared to surgical methods that may require the removal of the entire lesion. Exfoliative biopsy plays a crucial role in early detection and diagnosis, making it a valuable tool in dentistry and oral pathology.