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Upper airway test
Upper airway test
Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy
Throat anatomy
Throat anatomy

Upper airway biopsy
Definition:
A diagnostic procedure 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 -- ear, nose and throat (ENT); oral surgeon; or pulmonologist (a pulmonary "lung" specialist trained to perform a bronchoscopy) -- will spray a topical or local anesthetic in your mouth and throat. Then, a cannula (a metal tube about 6-inches long and curved on one end) is inserted, curved end first, to hold the tongue out of the way.

An anesthetic is injected through the cannula, enabling it to run down the back of the throat. This will cause coughing at first, which will cease as the anesthetic is increased. When the area feels "thick," it is sufficiently numb.

The suspicious tissue is viewed, and a small piece of tissue is removed using a biopsy punch and sent to the laboratory for examination by the pathologist.
How to prepare for the test:
Fast for 6-12 hours before the test. You must sign an informed consent form.

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:
How the test will feel:
Local anesthesia is used to numb the throat, so there may be a feeling of fluid running down the back of the throat or the need to cough or gag as the anesthetic takes effect. There may be sensations of pressure or mild tugging.

When the anesthetic wears off, your throat may feel scratchy for several days. After the test, the cough reflex will return in 1 to 2 hours, then you may eat and drink normally.
Why the test is performed:
This test may be performed when an abnormality of the upper airway is suspected. It may also be performed as part of a bronchoscopy when abnormalities include the upper airway as well as the lung tissue.
Normal Values:
There are normal upper airway tissues, with no abnormal growths or inclusions.
What abnormal results mean:
Disorders or conditions that may be discovered include:
What the risks are:
There is a significant risk of choking if anything (including water) is ingested before the anesthetic wears off.
Special considerations:
Not applicable.
Review Date: 2/11/2002
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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