Seeking Guidance: Inconclusive Biopsy for Oral Fibroma
I am a 51-year-old woman who stopped smoking in 2013. Over the years, I have had upper and lower partial dentures. Since 2021, I’ve been living with a fibroma on my cheek that has remained unchanged in size and hasn’t caused any problems. My dentist suggested that it might be best to remove it to avoid any chance of biting on it inadvertently. Consequently, I visited an oral surgeon on July 9th, who expressed confidence that it was merely a fibroma but recommended a biopsy as a precautionary step. Fast-forward a month and some days later, and I still hadn’t received any results. Additionally, neither my dentist nor my insurance had received any billing from the laboratory. After multiple attempts to get in touch, the receptionist finally informed me that she managed to speak with the oral surgeon and contacted the lab only to discover that the biopsy results were inconclusive. When I inquired about obtaining a copy of the report, I was told they needed to retrieve it from the lab. The surgeon suggested that I return for a retest at no extra charge, but I don’t understand what they plan to test since the fibroma has already been removed and my mouth has healed. At this moment, I am feeling quite anxious. Why did it take over a month for the surgeon to relay this information to me? I cannot fathom why the lab would take such a long time to notify him about the results. I have scheduled an appointment with an ENT specialist on Monday morning because I am hesitant to return to the surgeon for further procedures. I am looking for advice on what to discuss with the ENT. Am I overreacting, or could there be a possibility that I’ve been harboring oral cancer for the past four years? I can provide a picture if necessary.
Answers (1)
8/16/2025, 5:31:04 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel anxious about your situation, especially after waiting so long for biopsy results and facing an inconclusive report. Let me address your concerns clearly.
Main Points:
- Inconclusive biopsy results are not uncommon and often don’t indicate cancerous growth.
- Your history of non-smoking is a positive factor when assessing cancer risk, and the fibroma is typically a benign lesion.
- Your upcoming appointment with the ENT specialist is a valuable opportunity to clarify your concerns and explore next steps.
Explanation:
An inconclusive biopsy means that the lab could not definitively identify the tissue's nature (either benign or malignant). This is not unusual, particularly with fibromas, which are often non-cancerous growths. The delay in receiving results can happen due to various reasons, including lab processing times or communication issues, but it’s understandable to feel frustrated and anxious about it. Given that your fibroma remained unchanged for years and hasn’t caused problems, the likelihood of it being cancerous is low, particularly since you have no other concerning symptoms.
Next Steps:
-
Prepare for Your ENT Appointment:
- Bring any notes or questions about your past experiences with the fibroma.
- Ask about the implications of the inconclusive biopsy result and what the next steps will be regarding surveillance or further testing.
- Inquire about alternative tests or evaluations that might provide more clarity without needing to repeat the biopsy.
-
Discuss Your Concerns:
- Share your feelings of anxiety regarding the potential for oral cancer. It’s important to discuss these feelings for both reassurance and clarity.
- Ask about the typical characteristics of benign lesions versus any signs that would necessitate monitoring.
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Follow Up on Your Health:
- Since you have one oral health professional involved, consider asking the ENT about regular monitoring approaches or preventive steps, if necessary.
Remember, it’s entirely normal to seek clarity in such medical situations, and you’re taking the right steps by consulting with a specialist. Following your appointment, you may find more peace of mind regarding your oral health. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.
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