When encountering a red and white mixed lesion, what is the best practice for diagnosis?

The best practice for diagnosing a red and white mixed lesion is to biopsy the red and white portions. This approach is critical because these types of lesions can be indicative of various conditions, some of which may require different treatment strategies or indicate a more serious underlying issue, such as dysplasia or malignant changes.

A biopsy allows for a thorough examination of the tissue at a cellular level, providing definitive information about the nature of the lesion. It helps in identifying whether the lesion is benign, precancerous, or cancerous, which is essential for determining the appropriate course of action.

Moreover, merely applying topical medication would not provide the necessary diagnostic insight into the lesion's nature, and initiating treatment without a proper diagnosis could overlook a potentially serious condition. While a clinical examination is important, it may not yield sufficient information, especially in complex cases like red and white mixed lesions, where visual assessment alone cannot confirm the histopathological characteristics. Thus, obtaining a biopsy of the lesion is the most prudent and effective step towards a correct diagnosis.