Head & Neck Diagnostic Services

UNMC Oral Pathology Biopsy Service

The UNMC Oral Pathology Biopsy Service is affiliated with the University Dental Associates. It is a CLIA certified regional diagnostic laboratory. The laboratory is completely equipped and computerized to process tissue specimens from the head and neck region. In addition to routine histochemical procedures, the laboratory has access to immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence techniques for diagnostically challenging cases. A diagnosis is rendered to the clinician within 24 hours of receipt for most specimens, with the exception of weekends, holidays, or the requirement for additional testing and/or consultation. A detailed descriptive report is sent with every specimen. All specimen reports are mailed and faxed if a contact number is provided.. Clinicians will be notified immediately after the diagnosis has been rendered for any case having a malignant or unusual diagnosis. The biopsy service provides Federal Express service free of charge to all out-of-state contributors. Federal Express can be called for a pick-up and we will receive the specimen at 10:00 a.m. the next morning.

Biopsy kits containing a history sheet, formalin-filled container, proper packaging, and pre-paid first-class postage are available free of charge to the clinician. It is the practice of the oral pathology biopsy service to bill the patient directly. Please include your patient’s medical and dental insurance information so that we can submit the claim to the insurance company on your patient’s behalf.

For further information or to order biopsy kits please call 1-800-332-0265 (ask for Dent Help and then ext. 1296). You may also call direct to 402-472-1296 or  at oralpath@unmc.edu.

Clinical Oral Pathology/Oral Medicine Clinic

The Clinical Oral Pathology/Oral Medicine Clinic is a component of the University Dental Associates. It is a center for the treatment of patients with diagnostic problems involving the head and neck area. We enjoy seeing patients with unusual or diagnostically challenging oral or head and neck lesions/conditions. The clinic is staffed by board certified oral pathologists with specialty training in soft tissue lesions of the head and neck.

Our clinicians are prepared to diagnose as well as treat these conditions. The patients are usually returned to the referring doctor for follow-up. Some of the conditions referred for treatment and diagnosis include, but are not limited to, ulcerative and vescicullo-bullous diseases such as lichen planus, mucous membrane pemphigoid, systemic lupus and pemphigus of the oral region, infections, xerostomia, candidiasis, burning mouth, complications of cancer therapy, bony pathology of the jaws, and oral manifestations of systemic disease.

To schedule an appointment, call 402-472-8950.