Tongue biopsy

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Throat anatomy

Tongue biopsy

Definition:

A tongue biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a small piece of tongue tissue is removed for examination.

Alternative Names:

Biopsy - tongue

How the test is performed:

A tongue biopsy can be performed with a needle. After numbing the area, the needle is inserted into the tongue, and a small core of tongue tissue is removed.

A tongue biopsy can also be performed by thinly slicing a piece of tongue tissue (incisional biopsy), or by surgical excision (excisional biopsy, usually under general anesthesia) of a lesion, growth, or area of the tongue that appears abnormal.

How to prepare for the test:

Fasting may be recommended before this test. You must sign a consent form.

How the test will feel:

A needle biopsy is often somewhat uncomfortable even with use of an anesthetic, because the tongue is quite sensitive. After the biopsy, the tongue can be tender or sore, and it may feel slightly swollen.

Why the test is performed:

The test is performed to determine the cause of abnormal growths, lesions, or suspicious-appearing areas of the tongue. It may be used to help diagnose conditions such as amyloidosis or tongue cancer.

Review Date: 4/11/2005
Reviewed By: Kevin Fung, MD, FRCS(C), Department of Otolaryngology, Division of Head and Neck Oncology and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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