Nasal mucosal biopsy

Alternative Names: Biopsy - nasal mucosa; Nose biopsy

A nasal mucosal biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue from the lining of the nose so that it can be checked for disease.

Why is the Test Performed?

Nasal mucosal biopsy is usually done when abnormal tissue is seen during examination of the nose. It may also be done when the health care provider suspects you have a problem affecting the mucosal tissue of the nose.

How is the Test Performed?

A painkiller is sprayed into the nose. In some cases, a numbing shot may be used. A small piece of the tissue that appears abnormal is removed and checked for problems in the laboratory.

Preparation for the Test

No special preparation is needed. You may be asked to fast for a few hours before the biopsy.

How will the Test Feel?

You may feel pressure or tugging when the tissue is removed. After the numbness wears off, the area may be sore for a few days.

A small to moderate amount of bleeding after the procedure is common. If there is bleeding, the blood vessels may be sealed with an electric current, laser, or chemical.

Nasal mucosal biopsy Risks

• Bleeding from the biopsy site
• Infection

Considerations

Avoid blowing your nose after the biopsy. Gently squeeze the nostrils shut if there is bleeding. If there is bleeding, the blood vessels may be sealed with an electric current or packing.

Normal Results for Nasal mucosal biopsy

The tissue in the nose is normal.

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean

• Cancer
• Infections such as tuberculosis
• Necrotizing granuloma, a type of tumor
• Nasal polyps
• Nasal tumors
• Sarcoidosis
• Wegener's disease (Wegener's granulomatosis)

Sinuses	Throat anatomy	Nasal biopsy

Review Date: 8/31/2011
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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