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Upper airway biopsy How the Test is Performed:
The
health care provider or pulmonologist (a pulmonary [lung] specialist trained to
perform a bronchoscopy ) will spray
a topical or local anesthetic in your mouth and throat. Then a cannula (a metal
tube about 6-inches long and curved on one end) is inserted, curved end first,
to hold the tongue out of the way. An anesthetic is injected through the
cannula, enabling it to run down the back of the throat. This will cause coughing at
first, which will cease as the anesthetic is increased. When the area feels
"thick," it is sufficiently numb.
The suspicious tissue is
viewed, and a small piece of tissue is removed and sent to the laboratory.
How to Prepare:
Fast
for 6-12 hours before the test. You must sign an informed 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:
Local anesthesia is used to relax the throat muscles, so there is the feeling of fluid running down the back of the throat and the need to cough or gag until the anesthetic takes effect. There may be sensations of pressure or mild tugging.
When the anesthetic wears off, your throat may be scratchy for several days. After the test, the cough reflex will return in 1 to 2 hours, then you may eat and drink normally.
Risks:
There is a significant risk of choking if anything (including water) is ingested before the anesthetic wears off.
Why this Test is Performed:
This test may be performed when an abnormality of the upper airway is suspected. It may also be performed as part of a bronchoscopy when abnormalities include the upper airway as well as the lung tissue.
Normal Values:
There are normal upper airway tissues, with no abnormal growths or inclusions.
Abnormal Results:
Disorders/conditions that may be discovered include:
Cost:
The estimated cost is $150.
Special Considerations:
Not applicable.
Bronchoscopy is a surgical technique for viewing the interior of the airways. Using sophisticated flexible fiber optic instruments, surgeons are able to explore the trachea, main stem bronchi, and some of the small bronchi. In children, this procedure may be used to remove foreign objects that have been inhaled. In adults, the procedure is most often used to take samples of (biopsy) suspicious lesions and for culturing specific areas in the lung.
A
cross-section illustration of the mouth, nasal cavity, and throat. The
nasal passages are also visible.
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