An oropharynx lesion biopsy is surgery in which tissue from an abnormal growth or mouth sore is removed and checked for problems.

Throat lesion biopsy; Biopsy - mouth or throat; Mouth lesion biopsy

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.

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.

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.

This test is done to determine the cause of a sore (lesion) in the throat.

Images

Throat anatomy

Oropharyngeal biopsy

Next Section

Oropharynx lesion biopsy Results

Review Date: 11/23/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Unviersity of Washington, School of Medicine; and Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Cener, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)