Understanding Your Tongue Biopsy: What to Expect

A tongue biopsy is a minor outpatient surgical procedure where a specialist takes a tissue sample for microscopic examination to identify the type of cells causing an abnormality. This is often recommended if your dental professional finds an unusual growth or lesion on your tongue not caused by infection or trauma, as it can help rule out conditions like dysplasia or early oral cancer. There are generally two types of tongue biopsies: Needle Biopsy: This involves using a needle to remove a tiny section of tongue tissue after applying a local anesthetic or numbing agent. No specific preparation is needed for this procedure. Surgical Biopsy: For this type, your oral surgeon will remove either a small sliver or a larger area of tongue tissue. General anesthesia is typically used to ensure you feel no pain. If undergoing general anesthesia, you'll receive specific instructions, including abstaining from eating or drinking for several hours beforehand. The procedure itself is relatively quick, usually lasting between 15 and 30 minutes. During the procedure: If you receive a local anesthetic, you might still feel a slight prick due to the tongue's sensitivity, but it's generally well-tolerated. If you're under general anesthesia, you'll be asleep and won't feel anything. For surgical biopsies, dissolvable stitches might be used to close the incision, which typically dissolve within 10-14 days. After the procedure: Before leaving the oral surgeon's office, you'll schedule a follow-up visit, usually within one to two weeks, to check the biopsy area and discuss the results. Once the anesthesia wears off, expect minimal to no pain, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. Slight swelling or discomfort in the biopsy area is also common but should subside within a few days. Bleeding should be minimal; if it persists, applying pressure with gauze for 10 minutes should stop it. You can typically resume eating, brushing, and flossing normally the same day, taking care to avoid irritating the biopsy site. Most individuals can return to work or school the next day. While you recover, a pathologist will examine your tissue sample in a lab. Timely identification of tongue abnormalities through routine dental visits is crucial, as dental professionals can spot subtle changes and refer you for early diagnosis, potentially ruling out precancerous changes or early oral cancer. Knowing what to expect before, during, and after a tongue biopsy can help alleviate any anxieties you may have.