A painkiller or numbing medicine is first applied to the area. For large sores or sores of the throat, general anesthesia may be needed. All or part of the lesion is removed and sent to the laboratory to check for problems. If there is a growth in the mouth or throat, the biopsy may be the first part of tumor removal.
How to prepare for the test
If a simple painkiller or local numbing medicine is to be used, there is no special preparation. If the test is part of a tumor removal or if general anesthesia is to be used, you may be told not to eat for 6 - 8 hours before the test.
How the test will feel
You may feel pressure or tugging while the tissue is being removed. After the numbness wears off, the area may be sore for a few days.
Why the test is performed
This test is done to determine the cause of a sore (lesion) in the throat.
Normal Values
This test is only performed when there is an abnormal tissue area.
Oral cancer (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Cancer- mouth; Mouth cancer; Head and neck cancer; Squamous cell cancer- mouth.Oral cancer most commonly involves the tissue of the lips or the tongue. It may also occur on the floor of the mouth, cheek lining, gums(gingiva), or roof of the mouth(...Reviewer: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 02/12/2009
Cancer
Average Rating:
(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.Cells are the building blocks of living things. Reviewer: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 08/02/2008
Print
