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Tongue biopsy

samster1
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I'm getting a base of tongue and tonsil biopsy tomorrow morning under general anesthesia. I'm wondering why this isn't done with a local anesthesia. All the info I've found online suggests this procedure is normally carried out under a local anesthetic? 

I'm also worried about the pain afterwards anyone happy to share their experience of this? 

 

Thanks in advance.

  • Hello Samster1

    By the time you read this post, you will likely have already had your procedure.

    I hope that the team was able to answer your questions and that you're not in too much discomfort. In terms of managing post-op pain, do keep on top of taking regular pain relief medication as this will help. Hopefully some of our members who have had tonsil/tongue biopsies will reply to share their tips and advice with you. 

    Do let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    Hi 

    Thanks for your reply. So I'm home from surgery,  turns out I was getting more than biopsies. The pet scan showed a lump at back of throat as well as the one in my neck. So the surgeon removed my tonsils , removed the lump at the back of throat and performed something called a mucosectomy.(removed the lining at the base of the tongue) I was in a considerable amount of pain at first after operation but they gave me oramorph which helped. I'm told this operation won't affect my voice and I will recover which is better than what I was hoping for. I've been told to eat a normal solid food diet apparently very important for saliva production and to chew chewing gum tomorrow. The surgeon reckons it will be radiotherapy for the lump in my neck. I'm so relieved it's not in my organs and feel incredibly lucky that it wasn't. All this has made me reevaluate my life and I'm forever grateful for all the help I've had from my surgeon and cancer team so far. Not out the woods yet but a huge step forward.

  • in reply to samster1

    Hi Samster1

    I'm glad to hear that all went well today. It sounds as if you're feeling quite upbeat about things at this point and that's really great. Having a positive mindset certainly will help you to get through the next stages of treatment. 

    I don't if you've seen this thread but I'd really encourage you to have a look at some of the posts and maybe add your own reply to introduce yourself. There are lots of folk on there who have had various oral cancers and they have a wealth of knowledge, particularly when it comes to all things saliva related!

    I hope the pain remains manageable over the next few days. Keep in touch and let us know how you're doing. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator  

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