Nasal Biopsy - Indications and Complications

Introduction

The nose plays an important role in sensing smell and has olfactory functions. Any abnormal tissue growth in the nose could obstruct the air passage resulting in obstruction. These abnormal tissues are examined in the lab to detect any malignant changes. To examine the abnormal tissues, the physician performs a test on the suspicious site to extract a few cells or tissues for studying thoroughly. A biopsy is the most commonly used non-imaging technique to detect cancerous changes in a tumor. It is a useful diagnostic test and has various benefits for many medical conditions. Undergoing a biopsy can help to detect minor abnormal changes in the early stage of life. This helps the physician to recommend medications accordingly.

What Is Biopsy?

The procedure of removing a piece of tissue or a sample of tissue from a specific site to test in the laboratory for abnormal changes is called a biopsy. Individuals experiencing changes in their health or having any signs or symptoms may be recommended by biopsy procedure for confirmation. A biopsy mainly helps to determine if an individual has cancer or any other medical condition.

Many imaging techniques are helpful in detecting the extent of the tumor. However, they cannot predict if the tumor is cancerous or not. Biopsy plays a pivotal role in determining the cancerous condition.

What Are the Types of Biopsy Procedures?

There are various types of biopsy procedure, which is specifically used at each site. Various types are listed below:

• Surgical Biopsy - The healthcare professional may recommend if the suspicious cells cannot be accessed through other biopsy procedures. In this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision over the skin to access the specific area. Some examples of surgical biopsy include removing the breast lump for possible diagnosis of breast cancer. A surgical biopsy may remove the particular part or the entire suspicious area. Local anesthesia is given before performing the procedure. There are chances of staying in the hospital after the procedure to observe the patient and see the prognosis of the condition.

• Endoscopic Biopsy - A thin, flexible tube with a light is inserted to see the structures within the body. The flexible tube is called an endoscope. The tube can be inserted through the mouth, urinary tract, and rectum. A small incision is made in the skin for easy access. Some examples of endoscopic procedures include cystoscopy, collecting tissues within the bladder, and colonoscopy, collecting tissues from the colon.

• Needle Biopsy - It is often used to describe a procedure in which a needle is inserted into a suspicious area. It is also called percutaneous tissue biopsy. It is used in areas like breast lumps and enlarged lymph nodes. When used in combination with imaging procedures, a needle biopsy is helpful in collecting cells from the area that cannot be felt through the skin. There are various types of needle biopsy, which are mentioned below.

  • Fine-needle Aspiration - A long thin needle is inserted into the suspicious site. The syringe is used for drawing out fluid and cells for analysis.

  • Vacuum-assisted Biopsy - In this, a suction device increases the amount of fluid and cells to extract through the needle. It also reduces the number of times the needle is to be inserted for fluid collection of adequate samples.

  • Image-guided Biopsy - This procedure combines any imaging technique like computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging technique. It is useful in areas like the liver, prostate, and liver, where it is difficult to feel the suspicious area through the skin.

  • Core-needle Biopsy - A larger needle is used to draw a column of tissue from the suspicious area. The needle comprises a cutting tip which helps with the procedure.

What Is Nasal Biopsy?

A nasal biopsy is the extraction of tissue from the inner lining of the nose. It is helpful in diagnosing any cancerous changes that have occurred in the nasal cavity. The nasal cavity is highly prone to infections due to the nasal openings. The biopsy determines the exact diagnosis. A biopsy is most commonly done when an examination of the nose shows abnormal tissue or when doctors suspect a disorder that affects the tissues of the nasal mucosa.

What Medical Conditions Require Nasal Biopsy?

The following medical conditions may exhibit abnormal changes in a biopsy. Hence it is better to investigate them thoroughly before arriving at the final diagnosis.

• Cancer.

• Necrotizing granuloma (type of tumor).

• Infections caused due to tuberculosis.

• Sarcoidosis (collection of inflammatory cells in the body).

• Nasal tumors.

• Nasal polyp.

• Primary ciliary dyskinesia (a disease affecting the airway lining).

• Granulomatosis (blood vessel disorder).

• Polyangiitis (inflammation of arteries and veins).

How to Prepare for Nasal Biopsy?

Currently, the nasal biopsy procedure does not require any special preparation. The doctor may recommend fasting for a few hours before starting the procedure.

What Are the Instructions to Be Followed During Nasal Biopsy?

During the procedure, the individual lies down and has to keep still. The doctor may spray a numbing agent, following which a biopsy forceps is inserted into a very small area of the abnormal tissue growth. This tissue is then sent to the lab for examination. The pathologist may study the tissue under a microscope and look for evident signs of cancerous cells to confirm the malignant changes. If the tissues appear normal under the microscope, then the individual may be free of cancer.

What Does a Normal Result Mean?

If the biopsy report is normal, it indicates the nasal tissue shows no abnormal changes and is healthy. The normal range value could vary in each laboratory.

What Are the Complications of Nasal Biopsy?

Individuals undergoing nasal biopsies may exhibit bleeding from the biopsy site. Sometimes, there could be an infection.

What Are the Measures to Be Followed After Nasal Biopsy?

After the nasal biopsy, it is better to avoid blowing the nose. Also, picking or putting the fingers inside the nose should be strictly avoided. Gently squeeze the nostrils shut in case of any bleeding and hold them for approximately ten minutes. If the bleeding does not cease after thirty minutes, it is better to see a doctor. The doctor may use electrocautery (electric current) or an ice pack to stop the bleeding.

Conclusion

A nasal biopsy is a commonly used diagnostic technique to detect any cancerous changes in the tissues. Most imaging techniques are helpful in evaluating the size and location of the tumor. However, biopsy tests help to confirm cancerous growth. Early detection of cancerous changes can help with better outcomes and a good prognosis.