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Nasal mucosal biopsy |
| Definition: |
| A nasal mucosal biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the mucosal lining of the nose.
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| Alternative Names: |
| Biopsy - nasal mucosa; Nose biopsy |
| How the test is performed: |
| A topical anesthetic is sprayed into the nose (in some cases injection of local anesthesia may be required). A small piece of the tissue that appears abnormal is removed and sent to the laboratory for analysis. |
| How to prepare for the test: |
| Adults: No special preparation is necessary, although fasting for a few hours may be advisable. 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:
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| How the test will feel: |
| There may be some pressure or tugging sensations during removal of the specimen. After the anesthetic wears off, the area may be sore for a few days. |
| Why the test is performed: |
| Nasal mucosal biopsy is most often performed when abnormal tissue is observed during examination of the nose or when disorders affecting the nasal mucosal tissue are suspected. |
| Normal Values: |
| There is normal mucosal tissue, with no abnormal growths or tissues. |
| What abnormal results mean: |
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| What the risks are: |
| Special considerations: |
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Avoid blowing your nose after the biopsy. |
Reviewed By: Ashutosh Kacker, M.D., Department of Otolaryngology, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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