Salivary gland biopsy

Definition:

A diagnostic procedure in which a small piece of salivary gland is removed for examination.

Alternative Names:

Biopsy - salivary gland

How the test is performed:

There are several pairs of salivary glands in different locations: a major pair in front of the ears (parotid glands); two major pair on the floor of the mouth (sublingual and submaxillary glands); and several minor pairs within the lips, cheeks, and tongue.

One method of salivary gland biopsy is a needle biopsy. The skin over the gland is scrubbed. A local anesthetic may (or may not) be injected, then a needle is inserted into the gland. A small "core" of gland tissue is removed with the needle and sent to the laboratory for analysis.

A biopsy can also be performed when all or part of a salivary gland is removed because of a tumor. An examination of excised (removed) tissue can help to determine the type of tumor.

A lip biopsy can also be performed to diagnose diseases like Sjogrens Syndrome.

How to prepare for the test:

For a needle biopsy, there is no special preparation, although fasting for a few hours may be advised. For surgical excision of a tumor, preparation is like any major surgery, including fasting for 6 to 8 hours.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel:

During a needle biopsy, there may be some stinging or burning if a local anesthetic is injected. Insertion of the biopsy needle may cause pressure or mild discomfort which should only last for 1 or 2 minutes. Afterward, the area may feel tender or be bruised for a few days.

Why the test is performed:

This test may be performed to confirm the presence of Sjogren syndrome, or to determine the cause of lumps or abnormal growths of the salivary glands.

Normal Values:

There is normal salivary gland tissue anatomy with no abnormal growths or inclusions.

What abnormal results mean:

What the risks are:

Bleeding
Infection
Injury to the facial or trigeminal nerve (rare)
Allergic reaction to the anesthetic

Review Date: 10/31/2001
Reviewed By: Ashutosh Kacker, M.D., Department of Otolaryngology, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.