MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Tongue biopsy

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Tongue biopsy

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition How the test is performed How to prepare for the test	How the test will feel Why the test is performed Normal Values What abnormal results mean What the risks are

Illustrations

Throat anatomy

Tongue biopsy

Alternative names Return to top

Biopsy - tongue

Definition Return to top

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

How the test is performed Return to top

A tongue biopsy is 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 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 for the test Return to top

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

Infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this procedure depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following:

Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel Return to top

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 Return to top

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.

Normal Values Return to top

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

What abnormal results mean Return to top

Amyloidosis
Tongue (oral) cancer

What the risks are Return to top

Bleeding
Infection
Swelling of the tongue (can obstruct the airway and cause breathing difficulty)

Note: Complications are rare.

Update Date: 7/18/2003

Updated by: Jason Newman, M. D., Department of Otolaryngology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Washington, DC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.