Intraoral biopsy of the parotid gland.

Although biopsy of the parotid gland is occasionally necessary for diagnostic purposes, surgeons hesitate to perform a biopsy because of the possible adverse effects, such as facial scarring or damage to facial nerves. An intraoral technique was used for biopsy of a parotid gland of a young woman. The procedure was successful; a diagnosis was made and there was no facial scarring. The potential hazards must be weighed against the benefits.