Procedures and pitfalls in incisional biopsies of oral squamous cell carcinoma with respect to histopathological diagnosis

This review has addressed the issues faced by a diagnostic pathologist during routine assessment of haematoxylin and eosin stained incisional biopsies from oral squamous cell carcinoma patients. Herein, the pragmatic means undertaken, has highlighted routinely faced problems & encounters determined at various levels as clinical, laboratory and diagnostic pitfalls, when possible, tips offered towards procedures and guidance. Also, dealt with subtypes of oral squamous cell carcinoma, differential diagnosis, and relevant prognostic indicators that can navigate the surgeon to take quick decisions. It speaks of the journey of biopsied material from the clinician to the laboratory until the generation of the final report. Although histopathological evaluation is a confirmatory tool for any clinically suspected lesion it mandates the co-operation of faculty from varied disciplines. The onus lies on a pathologist to establish standard protocols to oversee, audit the laboratory operating procedures from time and again. Technical errors and faults at the office desk doesn't come under the purview of this review.