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Oropharynx lesion biopsy

Throat lesion biopsy; Biopsy - mouth or throat; Mouth lesion biopsy

 

An oropharynx lesion biopsy is surgery in which tissue from an abnormal growth or mouth sore is removed and checked for problems.

How the Test is Performed

 

Painkiller or numbing medicine is first applied to the area. For large sores or sores of the throat, general anesthesia may be needed. This means you will be asleep during the procedure.

All or part of the problem area (lesion) is removed. It is sent to the laboratory to check for problems. If a growth in the mouth or throat needs to be removed, the biopsy will be done first. This is followed by the actual removal of the growth.

 

How to Prepare for the Test

 

If a simple painkiller or local numbing medicine is to be used, there is no special preparation. If the test is part of a growth removal or if general anesthesia is used, you will likely be told not to eat for 6 to 8 hours before the test.

 

How the Test Will Feel

 

You may feel pressure or tugging while the tissue is being removed. After the numbness wears off, the area may be sore for a few days.

 

Why the Test is Performed

 

This test is done to determine the cause of a sore (lesion) in the throat.

 

Normal Results

 

This test is only done when there is an abnormal tissue area.

 

What Abnormal Results Mean

 

Abnormal results may mean:

  • Cancer (such as squamous cell carcinoma )
  • Fungal infections (such as candida)
  • Histoplasmosis
  • Oral lichen planus
  • Precancerous sore (leukoplakia)
  • Viral infections (such as Herpes simplex)

 

Risks

 

Risks of the procedure may include:

  • Infection of the site
  • Bleeding at the site

If there is bleeding, the blood vessels may be sealed (cauterized) with an electric current or laser.

 

Considerations

 

Avoid hot or spicy food after the biopsy.

 

 

References

Harreus U. Malignant neoplasms of the oropharynx. In: Flint PW, Haughey BH, Lund LJ, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2010:chap 100.

 
  • Throat anatomy - illustration

    Structures of the throat include the esophagus, trachea, epiglottis and tonsils.

    Throat anatomy

    illustration

  • Oropharyngeal biopsy - illustration

    Orophraryngeal biopsy is a procedure in which tissue from an abnormal growth or lesion is removed and sent to the lab for testing. Depending upon the size, a small portion or the entire lesion is removed.

    Oropharyngeal biopsy

    illustration

    • Throat anatomy - illustration

      Structures of the throat include the esophagus, trachea, epiglottis and tonsils.

      Throat anatomy

      illustration

    • Oropharyngeal biopsy - illustration

      Orophraryngeal biopsy is a procedure in which tissue from an abnormal growth or lesion is removed and sent to the lab for testing. Depending upon the size, a small portion or the entire lesion is removed.

      Oropharyngeal biopsy

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Self Care

       

        Tests for Oropharynx lesion biopsy

         

         

        Review Date: 11/25/2014

        Reviewed By: Ashutosh Kacker, MD, BS, Professor of Clinical Otolaryngology, Weill Cornell Medical College, and Attending Otolaryngologist, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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