Locations Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017   |   Locations
314-434-1500 314-434-1500   |   Contact Us

Multimedia Encyclopedia


 
E-mail Form
Email Results

 
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

Nasal mucosal biopsy

Biopsy - nasal mucosa; Nose biopsy

 

A nasal mucosal biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue from the lining of the nose so that it can be checked for disease.

How the Test is Performed

 

A painkiller is sprayed into the nose. In some cases, a numbing shot may be used. A small piece of the tissue that appears abnormal is removed and checked for problems in the laboratory.

 

How to Prepare for the Test

 

No special preparation is needed. You may be asked to fast for a few hours before the biopsy.

 

How the Test will Feel

 

You may feel pressure or tugging when the tissue is removed. After the numbness wears off, the area may be sore for a few days.

A small to moderate amount of bleeding after the procedure is common. If there is bleeding, the blood vessels may be sealed with an electric current, laser, or chemical.

 

Why the Test is Performed

 

Nasal mucosal biopsy is usually done when abnormal tissue is seen during examination of the nose. It may also be done when the health care provider suspects you have a problem affecting the mucosal tissue of the nose.

 

Normal Results

 

The tissue in the nose is normal.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

 

What Abnormal Results Mean

 

  • Cancer
  • Infections, such as tuberculosis
  • Necrotizing granuloma , a type of tumor
  • Nasal polyps
  • Nasal tumors
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Wegener's disease ( Wegener's granulomatosis )

 

Risks

 

  • Bleeding from the biopsy site
  • Infection

 

Considerations

 

Avoid blowing your nose after the biopsy. Do not pick your nose or put your fingers over the area. Gently squeeze the nostrils shut if there is bleeding, holding pressure for 10 minutes. If the bleeding doesn't stop after 30 minutes, you may need to come in to see your doctor. The blood vessels may be sealed with an electric current or packing.

 

 

References

Jackson RS, McCaffrey TV. Nasal manifestations of systemic disease. In: Flint PW, Haughey BH, Lund LJ, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2015:chap 12.

Posner MR. Head and neck cancer. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 196.

 
  • Sinuses - illustration

    The sinuses are hollow cavities within the facial bones. Sinuses are not fully developed until after age 12. When people speak of sinus infections, they are most frequently referring to the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses.

    Sinuses

    illustration

  • Throat anatomy - illustration

    Structures of the throat include the esophagus, trachea, epiglottis and tonsils.

    Throat anatomy

    illustration

  • Nasal biopsy - illustration

    A nasal biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the mucosal lining of the nose. The biopsy is most often performed when abnormal tissue is observed during an examination of the nose, or when disorders affecting the nasal mucosal tissue are suspected.

    Nasal biopsy

    illustration

    • Sinuses - illustration

      The sinuses are hollow cavities within the facial bones. Sinuses are not fully developed until after age 12. When people speak of sinus infections, they are most frequently referring to the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses.

      Sinuses

      illustration

    • Throat anatomy - illustration

      Structures of the throat include the esophagus, trachea, epiglottis and tonsils.

      Throat anatomy

      illustration

    • Nasal biopsy - illustration

      A nasal biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the mucosal lining of the nose. The biopsy is most often performed when abnormal tissue is observed during an examination of the nose, or when disorders affecting the nasal mucosal tissue are suspected.

      Nasal biopsy

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Talking to your MD

       

        Self Care

         

          Tests for Nasal mucosal biopsy

           

           

          Review Date: 4/11/2015

          Reviewed By: Sumana Jothi MD, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Airway, Voice, and Swallowing Disorders, Clinical Instructor UCSF Otolaryngology, NCHCS VA, SFVA, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, 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. 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.

           
           
           

           

           

          A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.



          Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.