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Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

General health

Tongue Biopsy

31 replies

Sparklingbrook · 09/05/2012 10:13

My lovely friend has been told she needs to have one as she has recurrent ulcers and a white patch on her tongue.

Anyone any experience of what to expect, she hasn't been told much at all other than it will be very painful and she will have stitches.

TIA

OP posts:

Report

letsblowthistacostand · 09/05/2012 10:54

It's very like a dental procedure, they numb the spot then take a bit out. it is painful, she should ask for something stronger than paracetomol. Sorry your friend has to have this, have they told her what they expect to find?

Sparklingbrook · 09/05/2012 10:58

Thanks lets. No, she thinks the only thing they will look for is cancer but I don't think that's true is it?

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Gigondas · 09/05/2012 11:30

I don't know but even If it is cancer it is usually treatable so better to rule it out.

Sparklingbrook · 09/05/2012 11:33

Thanks Gigondas. It was the dentist who referred her, which I think is great.

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Grumpystiltskin · 09/05/2012 12:29

They could be looking for something like Bechets disease or some other very hazily remembered disease of the oral mucosa. White patches can be literally hundreds of things so the chances are it's nothing to worry about but as I always tell my patients, it's nicer to know what it is than to not know.

Sparklingbrook · 09/05/2012 13:13

That's right Grumpy I agree. Fortunately it's next week so not too long to wait.

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mumofjust1 · 09/05/2012 14:38

Sparkling - I was just going to post the same thread! Maybe we have the same friend?!

Sparklingbrook · 09/05/2012 16:47

I'm in Worcestershire mum. Is it possible?

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mumofjust1 · 09/05/2012 18:01

No then Sparkling, I'm west london.

But my friend had a consultation for her tongue today and must have a biopsy too. She has some kind of white lesion on the side of her tongue and terrible geographical tongue.

Do let me know how your friend gets on, wishing her all the best :)

Sparklingbrook · 09/05/2012 18:04

Yes, will do mum. she is really scared, and it does sound horrible. Hope your friend is ok too. x

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Bunbaker · 09/05/2012 18:16

OH had one five years ago. The procedure itself didn't hurt, but his tongue was very sore for a few days afterwards.

Sparklingbrook · 09/05/2012 18:18

I can't imagine what having stitches in my tongue would be like. Were they dissolvable ones Bun?

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Mabelface · 09/05/2012 18:20

I had a lump cut of my tongue a couple of years ago. It didn't hurt as they used a local, but I did find it difficult having my tongue held out of my mouth for a while. The stitches were dissolvable and no bother.

Sparklingbrook · 09/05/2012 18:49

Hadn't thought of that Madlizzy,

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Grumpystiltskin · 09/05/2012 19:09

Usually we would get hold of the Tongue with a piece of gauze whilst doing the biopsy. It doesn't take too long but it will be "dry" and possibly hard work because it's very hard to relax the Tongue. It will be fine though. Not sure why iPhone capitalises Tongue!!

Bunbaker · 09/05/2012 19:11

He can't remember if he had any stitches.

bounty007 · 10/05/2012 21:02

I've had a few tongue biopsies for white bits on my tongue (referral by dentist too) ..make sure she stocks up on pain kills as it really hurts once the numbness has worn off...I couldn't eat for days and was in terrible discomfort. My consultant did the big one on a Friday afternoon and told me this was going to be "the most horrible weekend ever".....and it was
I also have bad geographical Tongue too. Tests came up with "non specific lichen planus" swapped to SLS free toothpaste...still no change on White spots which were always in a specific area....after a few years, tests revealed I was allergic to my crown, so have had it removed and White spots now gone.....It never entered my mind that the spots could have been cancerous, until my friend started to worry... Fingers crossed it's all fine for your friend

Sparklingbrook · 10/05/2012 21:42

Thanks Bounty. We are going out for lunch on the day as I don't think she will be eating for a while. Her appointment isn't until 4pm.

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sadie1 · 04/04/2014 08:21

Hello! Long time since I posted on here but I saw this thread. I just heard yesterday I need to have a tongue biopsy to test for oral lichen planus. I'm hopeless with pain (and allergic to codeine) so dreading that. And I'm self employed so want to get back to work asap - any thoughts/ reassurances would be most welcome. And how quickly will I be able to work again? Thank you!

chocoluvva · 08/04/2014 23:58

I've just started a thread as I'm going to have a tongue biopsy done tomorrow. Then I googled 'tongue biopsy' and got this thread!

The dentist told me it would feel like I'd bitten my tongue for a day but it sounds like it'll be worse than that. Two dentists suspect lichen planus - which started after a filling. Couldn't they just replace the amalgam fillings and see whether the patch clears up?

I've had two DC and extensive treatment for cancer - with no fuss, but the thought of this is nearly making me want to cry! I even have this feeling of being violated - treated brutally - obviously cancer treatment is brutal - but is a biopsy really necessary? I'm tempted to ask them to replace the fillings privately, but funds are tight at the moment.

littlejo67 · 09/04/2014 04:27

I have had a tongue biopsy. They hold your tongue out, give you a local which does not hurt. I didn't realise they had even started when she said i will put some stitches in that for you.
It also was for a white patch. The next day my tongue was swollen and the stitches were a constant reminder as you are always aware of them- a bit like when you have a pimple in your tongue!
It goes a fit white and furry around the site as it heals. I didn't find it painful just uncomfortable. No big deal really and I am a bit of a wimp!

NathalieM · 09/04/2014 11:37

This is strange as when my Mum was told she needed a tongue biopsy I really struggled to find much information about it, but it seems to be slightly more heard of!

Although it can be quite painful and you will have stitches, if you are prepared for it and make sure you take it easy it really is nothing to worry about! But yes Bounty I can imagine once the local wears off it is incredibly sore at first. My mum's doctor discussed the possibility of liquid medicines for the pain, as she has had difficulty swallowing in the past and if your tongue is out of action this makes it harder! (Here is some more information www.rosemontpharma.com/liquid-medicine)

It really helped her so may be worth considering if you are worried about it. As it is in your mouth though your saliva works as an antiseptic and it heals quicker than elsewhere though so it shouldn't be too bad.

Best of luck!
Nat x

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chocoluvva · 09/04/2014 21:40

I had my biopsy done this morning. The procedure was absolutely fine but I can hardly talk or eat - the consultant made it out to be nothing. I nearly planned to travel today!

They said they wouldn't replace the fillings without doing a biopsy first.

But the procedure really was a piece of cake.

sadie1 · 23/04/2014 08:19

Thanks for all the reassuring words. I am still terrified about my biopsy tomorrow. I saw my dentist (for something else) yesterday who said I would struggle with eating and talking for possibly a week - that worries me even more. I love my food and I'm not great at keeping quiet! It is completely dominating my thoughts which is making concentrating on a 6 year old quite hard. I keep hoping it might be cancelled but that would just put off the thing even more...

chocoluvva · 23/04/2014 09:38

Honestly - the procedure is quick and painless. Take painkillers soon after it as the anaesthetic will wear off much sooner than the anaesthetic used for fillings etc. I took codeine and paracetamol.

You will be able to speak the next day - just not properly - like a tongue tie.

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