Tongue Biopsy

In a tongue biopsy, a small piece of tissue is taken from the tongue for study in the laboratory.

Who is a candidate for the test?

This test is done to help diagnose disorders of the tongue. These include cancer and other unusual lesions or abnormal growths.

How is the test performed?

A tongue biopsy may be done in a doctor's office or in the hospital. The area of the tongue to be biopsied is cleaned and injected with a local anesthetic. When the area is numb, the biopsy sample may be removed by a small needle or by cutting a small piece of the tongue. The sample is then sent to the laboratory to be studied.