brush biopsy

My 64 year old husband, has had 2 biopsy's done.  The 1st was on a growth on his nose.  It came back as basal cell carcinoma.  The 2nd biopsy was a brush biopsy done on a lesion on the floor of his mouth,  it says Superficial, intermediate, and basal cells.  Positive for dysplasia, or carcinoma.  I thought mouth cancers were 90 percent squamous cell, never heard of basal cell inside the mouth?  The dentist that did the brush biopsy on his mouth wants him to go to an oral surgeon, my husband does not want to go.  We have no insurance, and he is convinced it is already too late for any sort of successful treatment.  He does have at least 3 other lesions, one on his shoulder, one on his lip, and another above his eye.  Should I try and talk him into seeing the oral surgeon?  Or perhaps an oncologist?  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I agree with you that your husband should consult an oncologist soon. There are several types of oral cancers, but around 90% are squamous cell carcinomas, originating in the tissues that line the mouth and lips. However any type of cancers can be found in the oral cavity, teratoma, adenocarcinoma derived from a major or minor salivary gland, lymphoma from tonsillar or other lymphoid tissue,or melanoma from the pigment producing cells of the oral mucosa.  Surgical removal of the cancer along with radiotherapy and chemotherapy can be done.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.