Tongue biopsy

How the Test is Performed:
A tongue biopsy can be performed by a needle biopsy . A needle is inserted into the tongue (after numbing with a topical or local anesthetic) and a small "core" of tongue tissue is removed.

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

How to Prepare:
Fasting may be recommended before this test. You must sign a consent form.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:



How it Feels:
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 may feel slightly swollen.

Risks:

Note: complications are rare.

Why this Test is Performed:
This test is performed to confirm suspected amyloidosis that affects the tongue or to determine the cause of abnormal growths, lesions, or suspicious-appearing areas of the tongue, often to test for cancer .

Normal Values:
There is normal tongue tissue, with no abnormal inclusions or cellular changes.

Abnormal Results:



Cost:
The estimated cost is $100.

Special Considerations:
Not applicable.


A cross-section illustration of the mouth, nasal cavity, and throat. The nasal passages are also visible.