0
A tongue biopsy is surgery to remove a piece of the tongue for examination under a microscope.
Alternative NamesBiopsy - tongue
How the test is performedA tongue biopsy can be done using a needle. After numbing the area, the health care provider gently sticks the needle into the tongue and removes a tiny piece of tissue.
Some types of tongue biopsies remove a thin slice of tissue. Others are done under general anesthesia (asleep and no pain) so that larger areas, such as lesion, growth, or other abnormal area of the tongue, may be removed and examined. See also: Surgical excision
How to prepare for the testYou may be told not to eat or drink anything for several hours before the test.
How the test will feelA 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. There may be stitches or an open sore where the biopsy was done.
Why the test is performedThe test is done to determine the cause of abnormal growths, lesions, or suspicious-appearing areas of the tongue.
Normal ValuesThere is normal tongue tissue, with no abnormal inclusions or cellular changes.
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results mean- Amyloidosis
- Tongue (oral) cancer
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Swelling of the tongue (can obstruct the airway and cause breathing difficulty)
Note: Complications are rare.
ReferencesRobinson PN. Early diagnosis of oral cavity cancers. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. Apr 2006; 39(2): 295-306.
Noonan VL. Diagnosis and management of suspicious lesions of the oral cavity. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. Feb 2005; 38(1): 21-35, vii.
What else can I help you with?
Tongue problems?
DefinitionTongue problems include pain, swelling, or a change in how the tongue looks.Alternative NamesDark tongue; Burning tongue syndromeConsiderationsThe tongue is mainly composed of muscles. It is covered with a mucous membrane. Small bumps (papillae) cover the upper surface of the tongue. Between the papillae are the taste buds, which allow you to taste. The tongue moves food to help you chew and swallow.The tongue also helps you form words.There are many different reasons for changes in the tongue's function and appearance.DIFFICULTY MOVING THE TONGUETongue movement problems are most often caused by nerve damage. However, problems moving the tongue may also be caused by ankyloglossia, a disorder where the band of tissue that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short. Tongue movement disorders may result in speech difficulties or difficulty moving food during chewing and swallowing.TASTE ABNORMALITIESTaste problems can be caused by damage to the taste buds, nerve problems, side effects of medications, an infection, or other condition. The tongue normally senses sweet, salty, sour, and bitter tastes. Other "tastes" are actually a function of the sense of smell.ENLARGEMENT OF THE TONGUETongue swelling occurs with Down syndrome, acromegaly, myxedema, amyloidosis, rhabdomyoma, and other disorders. The tongue may get wider in persons who have no teeth and do not wear dentures.COLOR CHANGESColor changes may occur with inflammation of the tongue (glossitis). Papillae are lost, causing the tongue to appear smooth. Geographic tongue is a patchy form of glossitis where the location of inflammation and the appearance of the tongue change from day to day.HAIRY TONGUEHairy tongue is a harmless condition in which the tongue looks hairy or furry. Its appearance can be worrisome. The disorder usually goes away with antibiotics.BLACK TONGUESometimes the upper surface of the tongue turns black or brown in color. This is an unsightly condition but is not harmful.PAIN IN THE TONGUEThis may occur with glossitis and geographic tongue. Tongue pain may also occur in with diabetic neuropathy, oral cancer, mouth ulcers, and leukoplakia.After menopause, some women have a sudden feeling that their tongue has been burned. This is called burning tongue syndrome or idiopathic glossopyrosis. There is no specific treatment for burning tongue syndrome.Common CausesMinor infections or irritations are the most common cause of tongue soreness. Injury, such as biting the tongue, can cause painful sores. Heavy smoking will irritate the tongue and make it painful.A viral ulcer, also called a canker sore, commonly appears on the tongue (or anywhere in the mouth) for no apparent reason. Some doctors believe that these ulcers are linked to emotional stress or fatigue, although this has not been proved.Possible causes of tongue pain include:AnemiaCancerDentures that irritate the tongueOral herpes (ulcers)NeuralgiaReferred pain from teeth and gumsReferred pain from the heartPossible causes of tongue tremor:Neurological disorderOveractive thyroidPossible causes of white tongue:Local irritationSmoking and alcohol usePossible causes of smooth tongue:AnemiaVitamin B-12deficiencyPossible causes of red (ranging from pink to magenta) tongue:Folic acid and vitamin B-12 deficiencyPellagraPernicious anemiaPlummer-Vinson syndromeSpruePossible causes of tongue swelling:AcromegalyAllergic reaction to food or medicineAmyloidosisAngioedemaBeckwith syndromeCancer of the tongueCongenital micrognathiaDown syndromeHypothyroidismInfectionLeukemiaLymphangiomaNeurofibromatosisPellagraPernicious anemiaStrep infectionTumor of the pituitary glandPossible causes of a hairy tongue:AIDSAntibiotic therapyDrinking coffeeDyes in drugs and foodChronic medical conditionsOveruse of mouthwashes containing oxidizing or astringent agents.Radiation of the head and neckTobacco usePossible cause of grooves in the tongue:Birth defect -- normally occurs in 10% of populationHome CarePractice good oral hygiene for hairy tongue and black tongue. Be sure to eat a well-balanced diet.Canker sores are caused by viruses and can't be cured by treatment. They must heal on their own.See your dentist if you have a tongue problem caused by dentures.Antihistamines can help relieve a swollen tongue caused by allergies. You should avoid the food or drug that causes the tongue swelling.Call your health care provider ifMake an appointment with your doctor if your tongue problem persists.What to expect at your health care provider's officeThe doctor will perform a physical examination, look closely at the tongue, and ask question such as:When did you first notice the problem?Have you had similar symptoms before?Do you have pain, swelling, breathing problems, or difficulty swallowing?Do you have a tongue tremor?What makes the problem worse? (Eating, drinking, swallowing, talking)Do you wear dentures?What have you tried that helps?Are there problems with the teeth, gums, lips, or throat?Does the tongue bleed?Do you have a rash or fever?Do you have allergies?Are there problems with speaking or moving the tongue?Have you noticed changes in taste?What medications do you take?Do you smoke cigarettes, cigars, or a pipe?Do you use alcohol excessively?Blood tests may be done to confirm specific disorders, particularly systemic causes of tongue disorders. Biopsyof tongue lesions may be needed in some cases.Treatment depends on the cause of the tongue problem.If nerve damage has causes a tongue movement problem, the underlying condition must be treated. Therapy may be needed to improve speech and swallowing ability.Ankyloglossia may not require treatment unless you have speech or swallowing difficulties. Surgery to release the tongue can relieve the problem.Medicine may be prescribed for mouth ulcers, leukoplakia, oral cancer, and other mouth sores.Anti-inflammatory medicines may be prescribed for glossititis and geographic tongue.This list is not all inclusive. For more details, see the specific disorder.ReferencesRakel P, ed. Conn's Current Therapy 2006. 58th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2005:1038.McKenna JK. Dermatologic drug reactions. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. Aug 2004; 24(3): 399-423, vi.
How do you use the word lunged in in a sentence?
I had a lung infection. The doctor ordered a biopsy of the patient's left lung.
What does the suffix -tome mean?
The suffix -tome means "instrument used for cutting" or "cutting instrument," and is often used in medical terminology to refer to an instrument used for cutting or incising tissue, such as a dermatome or a biopsy.
Is the prefix 'bi' Greek?
Meaning "two," it's Latin: bipedal, bimonthly, bisect.Meaning "life," it's Greek (more commonly bio): biology, biopsy, biome.
What does the suffix -opsy mean?
The suffix -opsy means "to examine" or "to view." It is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate a procedure or examination, such as in the words autopsy (examination of a body after death) and biopsy (examination of a tissue sample).
What is the code for biopsy of posterior third of tongue?
Biopsy of posterior third of tongue code
What is the singular for biopsy?
The singular form of biopsy is biopsy.
How many different types of biopsy methods are there?
There are several different types of biopsy methods, including excisional biopsy, incisional biopsy, needle biopsy, and endoscopic biopsy. Excisional biopsy involves removing the entire suspicious area, while incisional biopsy involves removing only a portion of the area. Needle biopsy uses a thin needle to extract tissue samples, and endoscopic biopsy uses a flexible tube with a camera to collect samples from inside the body. Each method has its own indications and advantages depending on the location and size of the suspicious tissue.
What does the medical abbreviation em biopsy mean?
Em biopsy likely means endometrial biopsy.
What is the form of biopsy that removes the entire lesion?
In an EXCISIONAL BIOPSY, the entire lesion is removed for biopsy.
What is the plural of biopsy?
The plural of biopsy is biopsies.
What is the main term of percutaneous biopsy of prostate?
biopsy
What is the main term for Percutaneous biopsy of prostate?
biopsy
When an entire lesion is removed for biopsy what is this called?
Excisional biopsy
What is a tissue sample for microscopic examination called?
It is a biopsy
How do you spell biopsy?
That is the correct spelling of "biopsy" (tissue sample).
A surgical procedure to core out a disk of skin for microscopic analysis is a?
It is called punch biopsy
