Surgical artefacts in oral biopsy specimens: Punch biopsy compared to conventional scalpel biopsy

The presence of the handling artefacts in the oral biopsy specimens prevents accurate histopathological diagnosis of oral lesions. The aim of this study is to compare these artefacts ascribed to the technique of punch biopsy with those occurring in conventional scalpel / wedge biopsy and to suggest some techniques for minimizing the same. Fifty oral biopsies were performed, 25 each with a disposable biopsy punch and conventional incision with a scalpel. Significantly fewer artefacts were found in the punch biopsy group compared with the incisional biopsy group.