A throat biopsy is a procedure in which tissue samples are removed from the throat to be examined under a microscope. A throat biopsy may be indicated if throat cancer is suspected.
Removing samples for a throat biopsy can be complicated because often a doctor will need to get samples from deep within the throat. Biopsies of the larynx or hypopharynx are performed in an operating room under general anesthesia.
- A laryngoscope, which is a long, thin instrument with a light and a lens or small video camera on the end, is inserted through the nose or mouth and down the throat. Some laryngoscopes are flexible (fiber-optic), while others are rigid (stiff).
- Laryngoscopy is usually done as an outpatient procedure and patients do not need to stay overnight in the hospital.
- The actual procedure of flexible laryngoscopy takes about 10 minutes, and a direct rigid laryngoscopy takes about 15 to 30 minutes. However, patients usually need to arrive at the hospital or medical center an hour or two before the procedure, and they may be in recovery for a short while as the anesthesia wears off. While the procedure itself is short, the entire appointment may take several hours.
- Biopsy samples (from endoscopy or surgery) are sent to a lab where they are looked at closely. If the initial tests detect cancer, other tests may also be done to help classify the cancer.
What Happens During a Laryngoscopy?
A laryngoscopy is usually used to take a throat biopsy.
Before the procedure:
- Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use, and if you have allergies to any medications
- You may be asked to stop taking blood thinners (including aspirin) or other medications for several days before the test
- Your doctor will tell you what medications you need to stop
- Never stop taking any prescribed medication without first talking to your doctor
- You may also be advised to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the procedure
During the procedure:
- Laryngoscopy is usually done as an outpatient procedure
- Depending on the type of test, you may need to lie on your back on a bed or table, or you might be able to sit up
- You may be put under general anesthesia for the test
After the procedure:
- You will be monitored to make sure there are no complications
- Your mouth and throat will probably be numb for a couple of hours and you won't be allowed to eat or drink until the numbness wears off
- You may have a sore throat, cough (which might contain some blood at first), or hoarseness for the next day following the procedure
- You should arrange for a ride home because of the medicines or anesthesia you received
- Biopsy results are usually available within a few days, although some tests on the biopsy samples might take longer
From 
Oral Health Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Reviewed on 11/18/2021
References
Image Source: iStock Images
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/laryngeal-and-hypopharyngeal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-diagnosed.html
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/laryngeal-and-hypopharyngeal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-diagnosed.html