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Tongue biopsy - Medium 1-3 cm
Biopsy
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Histology of tongue lesion.
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Tongue Biopsy - Medium 1-3 cm: Comprehensive Medical Test Information Guide
- Section 1: Why is it done?
- Test Description: A tongue biopsy is a tissue sampling procedure where a medium-sized tissue specimen (1-3 cm) is obtained from the tongue for microscopic examination to detect abnormal cellular changes, infections, or malignancies.
- Primary Indications: Detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma and other malignancies
- Evaluation of persistent tongue ulcers or lesions
- Investigation of unexplained tongue swelling or discoloration
- Diagnosis of fungal infections (oral candidiasis)
- Evaluation of lichen planus or other autoimmune oral conditions
- Assessment of suspicious lesions for dysplasia or premalignant changes
- Investigation of tongue pain unresponsive to standard treatment
- Typical Timing: Performed when lesions are present or upon initial clinical suspicion; results available within 5-10 business days for routine histopathology
- Section 2: Normal Range
- Normal/Reference Ranges: Normal tongue tissue shows intact stratified squamous epithelium with minimal inflammation, no dysplasia, and no malignant cells
- Normal Histologic Findings: Regular epithelial architecture
- Normal keratin layer organization
- Minimal infiltration of inflammatory cells
- Absence of dysplasia or malignant transformation
- Result Interpretation: Benign/Negative = Normal tissue architecture, no malignancy, no significant pathology
- Positive/Abnormal = Dysplasia present, malignancy detected, or specific pathology identified
- Units of Measurement: Specimen size 1-3 cm; histopathologic grading system (mild, moderate, severe dysplasia or cancer classification)
- Section 3: Interpretation
- Benign Findings: Normal tissue architecture with no cellular abnormalities; indicates no malignancy and minimal disease risk
- Dysplasia Grading:
- Mild Dysplasia = Early cellular abnormalities; increased nuclear size and hyperchromasia in lower epithelium; risk of malignant transformation ~1% annually
- Moderate Dysplasia = Cellular abnormalities involving middle third of epithelium; increased mitotic activity; risk of malignant transformation ~5-10% annually
- Severe Dysplasia = Abnormalities extending throughout epithelium; marked loss of differentiation; risk of malignant transformation ~10-40% annually
- Carcinoma in Situ: Full-thickness epithelial dysplasia without basement membrane invasion; high malignancy potential requiring immediate intervention
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Malignant cells invading lamina propria or deeper tissues; histologic grading (well, moderately, or poorly differentiated) determines prognosis
- Infectious Agents: Fungal elements (Candida), bacterial overgrowth, or viral inclusions may be identified requiring specific antimicrobial therapy
- Autoimmune Conditions: Lichen planus shows characteristic band-like lymphocytic infiltration; pemphigus shows acantholysis and intraepithelial blistering
- Factors Affecting Results: Specimen handling and fixation time; adequacy of tissue sampling; presence of cautery artifact; immunocompromised status affecting infection prevalence
- Section 4: Associated Organs
- Primary Organ System: Oral cavity and oropharyngeal region; gastrointestinal system (upper GI tract); immune system (mucosal immunity)
- Commonly Associated Diseases: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)
- Oral candidiasis (thrush) - particularly in immunocompromised patients
- Oral lichen planus - autoimmune mucosal condition
- Pemphigus vulgaris - blistering autoimmune disease
- Oral erythroplakia - potentially malignant disorder
- Oral leukoplakia - premalignant lesion
- Granulomatous diseases affecting oral mucosa
- Verrucous carcinoma - low-grade malignancy
- Risk Factors for Abnormal Results: Tobacco and alcohol use; HPV infection; immunosuppression (HIV/AIDS); chronic irritation; genetic predisposition; poor oral hygiene
- Potential Complications: Delayed diagnosis of malignancy; progression of dysplasia to carcinoma; local invasion affecting swallowing or speech; metastatic spread in advanced carcinoma
- Section 5: Follow-up Tests
- If Malignancy or Severe Dysplasia Detected: CT or MRI imaging of head and neck for staging
- PET-CT for metabolic activity and metastatic assessment
- Chest imaging to exclude distant metastases
- HPV testing if not already performed
- If Dysplasia Detected: Repeat biopsy or excisional biopsy within 2-4 weeks
- Clinical surveillance with photographic documentation every 3-6 months
- Consider narrow-band imaging (NBI) or autofluorescence for monitoring
- If Infection Identified: Fungal culture if candidiasis suspected
- CD4 count if immunosuppression is suspected
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing if indicated
- If Autoimmune Condition Identified: Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) test for pemphigus confirmation
- Serum antibody testing (anti-desmoglein antibodies)
- Systemic workup and dermatology consultation
- Monitoring Frequency: Post-treatment for malignancy: monthly for first 3 months, then quarterly for 1 year, then semi-annually for 2 years
- Dysplasia without treatment: clinical assessment every 3-6 months with documentation
- Section 6: Fasting Required?
- Fasting Requirement: NO
- Pre-Procedure Preparation: No food or beverage restrictions needed; normal meals may be consumed
- Medication Considerations: Continue regular medications unless specifically instructed otherwise
- Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be avoided for 5-7 days prior to biopsy to reduce bleeding
- Anticoagulants (warfarin, dabigatran, apixaban) must be discussed with physician; may need temporary adjustment
- Herbal supplements affecting coagulation (ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginseng) should be discontinued 1-2 weeks prior
- Special Instructions: Rinse mouth gently with water or saline solution 15-30 minutes before procedure
- Avoid mouthwash or oral antiseptics 24 hours prior to biopsy
- Inform physician of all medications, allergies, and bleeding disorders
- Plan for local anesthesia which may cause temporary numbness
- Arrange for transportation if sedation is used
- Post-Procedure Care: May resume normal diet once numbness wears off (typically 2-4 hours)
- Rinse with warm salt water 4-5 times daily for 3-5 days
- Avoid hot foods/beverages for first 24 hours
- Take prescribed pain medication as directed
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