Tongue biopsy

Alternative names:

biopsy of the tongue

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 for the test:

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:

• 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:

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.

Why the 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.