Health Encyclopedia

Tongue biopsy

Definition

A tongue biopsy is a minor surgery that is done to remove a small piece of the tongue. The tissue is then examined under a microscope.

Alternative Names

Biopsy - tongue

How the Test is Performed

A tongue biopsy can be done using a needle.

You will get numbing medicine at the place where the biopsy is to be done.
The health care provider will gently insert the needle into the tongue and remove a tiny piece of tissue.

Some types of tongue biopsies remove a thin slice of tissue. Medicine to numb the area (local anesthetic) will be used. Others are done under general anesthesia, (allowing you to be asleep and pain-free) so that a larger area may be removed and examined.

How to Prepare for the Test

You may be told not to eat or drink anything for several hours before the test.

How the Test will Feel

Your tongue is very sensitive so a needle biopsy may be uncomfortable even when numbing medicine is used.

Your tongue can be tender or sore, and it may feel slightly swollen after the biopsy. You may have stitches or an open sore where the biopsy was done.

Why the Test is Performed

The test is done to find the cause of abnormal growths or suspicious-looking areas of the tongue.

Normal Results

The tongue tissue is normal when examined.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Abnormal results may mean:

Amyloidosis
Tongue (oral) cancer
Viral ulcer
Benign tumors

Risks

Risks for this procedure include:

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

Complications from this procedure are rare.

References

Azzoli CG, Birnbaum AE, Constantinou M, Ollila TA. Other solid tumors (head and neck, sarcomas, melanoma, unknown primary). In: Wing EJ, Schiffman FJ, eds. Cecil Essentials of Medicine. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 62.

Ellis E, Huber MA. Principles of differential diagnosis and biopsy. In: Hupp JR, Ellis E, Tucker MR, eds. Contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 22.

Wenig BM. Neoplasms of the pharynx. In: Wenig BM, ed. Atlas of Head and Neck Pathology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016 chap 10.

Review Date:3/1/2023
Reviewed By:Josef Shargorodsky, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional 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. © 1997-A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.