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Tongue biopsy
Biopsy - tongue
A tongue biopsy is a minor surgery that is done to remove a small piece of the tongue. The tissue is then examined under a microscope.
How the Test is Performed
A tongue biopsy can be done using a needle.
- You will get numbing medicine at the place where the biopsy is to be done.
- The health care provider will gently stick the needle into the tongue and remove a tiny piece of tissue.
Some types of tongue biopsies remove a thin slice of tissue. Medicine to numb the area (local anesthetic) will be used. Others are done under general anesthesia, (allowing you to be asleep and pain-free) so that a larger area may be removed and examined.
How to Prepare for the Test
You may be told not to eat or drink anything for several hours before the test.
How the Test will Feel
Your tongue is very sensitive so a needle biopsy may be uncomfortable even when numbing medicine is used.
Your tongue can be tender or sore, and it may feel slightly swollen after the biopsy. You may have stitches or an open sore where the biopsy was done.
Why the Test is Performed
The test is done to find the cause of abnormal growths or suspicious-looking areas of the tongue.
Normal Results
The tongue tissue is normal when examined.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results may mean:
- Amyloidosis
-
Tongue (oral) cancer
Tongue (oral) cancer
Oral cancer is cancer that starts in the mouth.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Viral ulcer
- Benign tumors
Risks
Risks for this procedure include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
-
Swelling
of the tongue (can obstruct the airway and cause
breathing difficulty
)
Swelling
Swelling is the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body parts. It is caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissues. The extra fluid can lead to a ...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleBreathing difficulty
Breathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathingUncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough air
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Complications from this procedure are rare.
References
Eusterman VD. History and Physical Examination, Screening and Diagnostic Testing. Otolaryngol Clin North Am . Feb 2011;44(1):1-29. PMID: 21093621 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21093621 .
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Throat anatomy - illustration
Structures of the throat include the esophagus, trachea, epiglottis and tonsils.
Throat anatomy
illustration
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Tongue biopsy - illustration
A surgeon will remove a section of the unusual area of skin on the tongue to analyse.
Tongue biopsy
illustration
Review Date: 2/9/2015
Reviewed By: Alan Lipkin, MD, Otolaryngologist, private practice, Denver, CO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
