Diode type laser in biopsies of oral mucosa Journal of Surgical and Molecular Pathology Volume 5, Issue 1, Page 13 Diode type laser in resection biopsies of superficial benign lesions of oral mucosa: a histological analysis Venetia Sotiri 1 , Nikolaos Katsoulas 2 , Andreas C. Lazaris 2 , Nikolaos Kavantzas 2 , Emmanuel Agapitos 2 Abstract 3 Aim: The aim of this study is to assess whether the thermal damage caused by the diode laser during the excision of benign lesions of the oral mucosa affects the histopathological diagnosis or the safe evaluation of fibroepithelial lesions’ excision margins. In addition, a comparison of the surgical margins’ histological appearance between benign fibroepithelial lesions of the oral mucosa subsequent to diode laser treatment and traditional surgery is attempted. Materials and Methods: Out of 60 cases, 30 were treated surgically and 30 with diode laser. All lesions were benign and excised on clear margins using either method (surgical or laser). The removed specimens were examined using a light microscope aided by an image analysis method, while the thickness of thermal necrosis zone was also measured. Results: This analysis concluded that the thickness of the thermal necrosis zone, measured by the image analysis method in our material, is directly proportional to the type and the dimensions of the lesion, suggesting that the laser method of excision is an alternative method potentially characterised by selectivity and accuracy, with regard to the removal of tissue lesions. Laser penetration depth during the resection of the lesions can be controlled. The hemostatic property of laser was apparent as well as the reduction of fibrous connective tissue, leading to faster recovery. Conclusion: Image analysis method illustrated that the thickness of the thermal necrosis zone permits clear histological margins that guarantee the clean and complete excision of lesions. Based on the above, expanding the use of laser in the excision of malignant lesions of the oral cavity should definitely be considered. 1 DMD, MSc, Dental Clinic of Tzaneio Hospital, Piraeus 2 DMD, MSc, Dental Clinic of Tzaneio Hospital, Piraeus Corresponding author: Sotiri Venetia Dentist, Dmd, Msc Dental clinic of Tzaneio Hospital, Leoforos Afentouli and Zanni 1 18536, Piraeus Greece e-mail: vensotiri@gmail.com