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Upper airway biopsy

Biopsy - upper airway

 

Upper airway biopsy is surgery to remove a small piece of tissue from the nose, mouth, and throat area for examination.

How the Test is Performed

 

The health care provider will spray a numbing medicine in your mouth and throat. A metal tube is inserted to hold your tongue out of the way.

Another numbing medicine flows through the tube down the back of the throat. This may cause you to cough at first. When the area feels thick or swollen, it is numb.

The are provider looks at the abnormal area, and removes a small piece of tissue. It is sent to the laboratory for examination.

 

How to Prepare for the Test

 

DO NOT eat for 6 to 12 hours before the test.

Tell your provider if you take a blood thinner, such as aspirin, plavix or coumadin, when you schedule the biopsy. You may need to stop taking them for a little while. Never stop taking any medicines without first talking to your provider.

 

How the Test will Feel

 

As the area is being numbed, you may feel like there is fluid running down the back of your throat. You may feel the need to cough or gag. And you may feel pressure or mild tugging.

When the numbness wears off, your throat may feel scratchy for several days. After the test, the cough reflex will return in 1 to 2 hours. Then you may eat and drink normally.

 

Why the Test is Performed

 

This test may be done if your doctor thinks there is a problem with your upper airway. It may also be done with a bronchoscopy .

 

Normal Results

 

The upper airway tissues are normal, with no abnormal growths.

 

What Abnormal Results Mean

 

Disorders or conditions that may be discovered include:

  • Benign (noncancerous) cysts or masses
  • Cancer
  • Certain infections
  • Granulomas and related inflammation (may be caused by tuberculosis )
  • Autoimmune disorders, such as Wegner's granulomatosis
  • Necrotizing vasculitis

 

Risks

 

Risks for this procedure include:

  • Bleeding (some bleeding is common, heavy bleeding is not)
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Sore throat

There is a risk of choking if you swallow water or food before the numbness wears off.

 

 

References

Yung RC, Boss EF. Tracheobronchial endoscopy. In: Flint PW, Haughey BH, Lund LJ, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2010:chap 75.

 
  • Upper airway test - illustration

    An upper airway biopsy is obtained by using a flexible scope called a bronchoscope. The scope is passed down through the mouth and throat and a small piece of tissue is removed and sent to the laboratory. This test may be performed when an abnormality of the upper airway is suspected. It may also be performed as part of a bronchoscopy when abnormalities include the upper airway as well as the lung tissue.

    Upper airway test

    illustration

  • Bronchoscopy - illustration

    Bronchoscopy is a surgical technique for viewing the interior of the airways. Using sophisticated flexible fiber optic instruments, surgeons are able to explore the trachea, main stem bronchi, and some of the small bronchi. In children, this procedure may be used to remove foreign objects that have been inhaled. In adults, the procedure is most often used to take samples of (biopsy) suspicious lesions and for culturing specific areas in the lung.

    Bronchoscopy

    illustration

  • Throat anatomy - illustration

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

    Throat anatomy

    illustration

    • Upper airway test - illustration

      An upper airway biopsy is obtained by using a flexible scope called a bronchoscope. The scope is passed down through the mouth and throat and a small piece of tissue is removed and sent to the laboratory. This test may be performed when an abnormality of the upper airway is suspected. It may also be performed as part of a bronchoscopy when abnormalities include the upper airway as well as the lung tissue.

      Upper airway test

      illustration

    • Bronchoscopy - illustration

      Bronchoscopy is a surgical technique for viewing the interior of the airways. Using sophisticated flexible fiber optic instruments, surgeons are able to explore the trachea, main stem bronchi, and some of the small bronchi. In children, this procedure may be used to remove foreign objects that have been inhaled. In adults, the procedure is most often used to take samples of (biopsy) suspicious lesions and for culturing specific areas in the lung.

      Bronchoscopy

      illustration

    • Throat anatomy - illustration

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

      Throat anatomy

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

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          Tests for Upper airway biopsy

           

           

          Review Date: 11/25/2014

          Reviewed By: Ashutosh Kacker, MD, BS, Professor of Clinical Otolaryngology, Weill Cornell Medical College, and Attending Otolaryngologist, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY. 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.

           
           
           

           

           

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