Upper airway biopsy is surgery in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the upper airway (nose, mouth, throat) for examination.
Alternative Names:
Biopsy - upper airway
How the test is performed:
The health care provider will spray a numbing agent in your mouth and throat. A metal tube is inserted to hold the tongue out of the way.
Another numbing agent is injected through the tube down the back of the throat. This may cause coughing at first. When the area feels thick or swollen, it is numb.
The abnormal area is viewed, and a small piece of tissue is removed. It is sent to the laboratory for examination.
How to prepare for the test:
Do not eat for 6 - 12 hours before the test. You must sign an informed consent form.
How the test will feel:
As the area is being numbed, there may be a feeling of fluid running down the back of the throat. You may feel the need to cough or gag. There may be feelings of 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 - 2 hours. Then you may eat and drink normally.
Review Date: 7/25/2007
Reviewed By: James L. Demetroulakos, M.D., F.A.C.S., Department of Otolaryngology, North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA. Clinical Instructor in Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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General ENT, General Lung Disease
