Biopsy of ENT organs: accurate diagnosis of neoplasms

Timely and correct diagnosis is the only way to effective treatment. If, during an examination of the ear, throat, or nose, an otolaryngologist detects suspicious changes in the mucous membrane, tissue overgrowth, or long-healing ulcers, they will prescribe a biopsy.

Many patients are frightened by this word, associating it exclusively with oncology. In fact, ENT organ biopsy is most often performed to confirm benign processes (polyps, chronic inflammation, specific infections) and to rule out any risks. At St. Luke’s Clinic, this procedure is performed quickly, delicately, and absolutely painlessly.

When does an ENT doctor prescribe a biopsy?

Visual examination is often not enough to understand the nature of altered tissue. The doctor will definitely refer you for a sample collection for laboratory analysis (histology) in the following cases:

• Appearance of any neoplasms, polyps, growths, or “bumps” in the nasal cavity, on the tonsils, in the larynx, or ear canal.
• Presence of ulcers, erosions, or sores on the mucous membrane that do not heal for more than 2 weeks.
• Chronic enlargement of one of the palatine tonsils (gland asymmetry).
• Changes in the color of the mucous membrane (white spots – leukoplakia, or unnatural redness).
• Monitoring the effectiveness of treatment after previously removed neoplasms.

From which areas is material collected?

Thanks to the use of thin and flexible instruments, ENT doctors at St. Luke’s Clinic perform biopsies from any part of the respiratory and auditory pathways:

• Nasal cavity and nasopharynx: if polyposis, papillomas, inverted papillomas, or other tumors are suspected.
• Pharynx and oral cavity: from the surface of the palatine tonsils, the root of the tongue, the posterior wall of the pharynx.
• External and middle ear: for suspicious growths in the ear canal or on the eardrum.

How is the procedure performed at St. Luke’s Clinic?

We use advanced technologies to make the manipulation as comfortable as possible for you.

1. Local anesthesia (Painless!): The area from which the sample will be taken is thoroughly treated with a modern anesthetic spray or gel. You will feel a slight numbness, and the procedure itself will be painless.
2. Endoscopic control: We do not perform biopsies “blindly.” The procedure is performed under video endoscope control. The doctor sees the image on a large screen in high resolution and takes a microscopic piece of tissue (1-2 mm in size) precisely — from the most suspicious area.
3. Tissue collection: Using special micro-forceps, the doctor pinches off a fragment of the mucous membrane. If necessary, the collection site is treated with a hemostatic or antiseptic solution.
4. Laboratory analysis: The obtained material is fixed in a special solution and sent to a pathomorphological laboratory for detailed microscopic examination. This analysis will provide an accurate answer to the question: “What is this?”.

The entire procedure in the ENT office takes no more than 10-15 minutes.

Rehabilitation after biopsy

The procedure is easily tolerated, and immediately after it, you can return to your affairs. Depending on the biopsy site (nose, throat, or ear), minor bloody discharge or slight discomfort (a “scratchy” feeling) may be observed for 1-2 days.

Doctors recommend for several days:

• Avoid consuming hot, very spicy, sour, or hard food (if the biopsy was taken from the throat).
• Do not visit baths, saunas, or take hot baths (to avoid provoking bleeding).
• Refrain from intense physical activity.
• Blow your nose carefully and do not clean your ears with cotton swabs.

Do not postpone diagnosis! An accurate diagnosis today means successful treatment tomorrow. Make an appointment with the otolaryngologists at St. Luke’s Clinic.