Tongue Biopsy: Healing, Care, and Recovery Tips

Q: Tongue Biopsy: Healing, Care, and Recovery Tips

Hello, your questions are answered as follows： 1. Healing takes about one week. 2. You can eat anything, but it's advisable to limit spicy and fried foods; rinsing your mouth after meals is sufficient. 3. It's beneficial to increase your intake of protein-rich

Glossitis

Hello, Doctor.
Following up on my previous question, I visited Zhongxiao Hospital today.
The doctor said my tongue looks only red and feels normal to the touch.
Since I mentioned that it has been a month, the doctor said I could consider having a biopsy.
I decided to go ahead with the biopsy for peace of mind.
I want to ask about the biopsy site, which is on the edge of the red area, and the sample taken was quite large, about the size of a grain and a half of rice, and it was deep.
My tongue is very painful; it feels completely different from the biopsy I had previously for an oral viral infection, which was painless and had a very small wound.
It seems that different doctors have different approaches.

1.
How long does it typically take for a tongue biopsy to heal?
2.
Should I only eat cold foods until the wound heals?
3.
What additional nutrients should I take to promote faster healing?
4.
After the wound heals, will the color of the area return to the same as the original oral mucosa?
5.
My tongue is producing a lot of saliva; can I spit it out? Swallowing it makes my tongue hurt.
6.
I am scheduled for hospitalization on September 28 and a frenectomy at National Taiwan University Hospital on the 29th.
Will this affect the healing of the tongue biopsy wound? I have a history of liver transplantation.
7.
Yesterday, I saw a doctor at a clinic who prescribed B12 powder and advised me to hold it in the red area of my tongue.
However, now that I have a wound in that area from the biopsy, can I still hold it there?
8.
Can I continue to brush my teeth with toothpaste? The doctor also prescribed a hemostatic agent for me; if there is no bleeding, do I need to take it? Can I skip the enteric-coated tablets and just take pain medication? I prefer not to take too many medications.

Wenwen, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/09/21

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, your questions are answered as follows: 1.
Healing takes about one week.
2.
You can eat anything, but it's advisable to limit spicy and fried foods; rinsing your mouth after meals is sufficient.
3.
It's beneficial to increase your intake of protein-rich foods.
4.
Not necessarily.
5.
It is recommended to swallow saliva rather than spit it out.
6.
Generally, there is no impact.
7.
If there are wounds, it is advisable to temporarily avoid using powder medications.
8.
You can use toothpaste.
9.
It is recommended to use medications prescribed by your physician; if you have concerns or do not wish to use them, please consult the prescribing physician.
Wishing you safety and health.
Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Dr.
Zheng Jue-Yi.

Reply Date: 2018/09/21

More Info

Hello! It sounds like you have a lot of questions regarding your recent tongue biopsy, and I’m here to help clarify some of your concerns.
1. Healing Time for Tongue Biopsy: The healing time for a tongue biopsy can vary depending on the size and depth of the incision. Generally, small biopsies may heal within a week, while larger ones, like the one you described, may take 1 to 2 weeks to heal completely. During this time, it’s important to monitor the area for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge.

2. Dietary Restrictions: After a biopsy, it is advisable to stick to soft, cool foods to minimize irritation to the wound. Foods like yogurt, smoothies, and ice cream can be soothing. Avoid spicy, acidic, or hot foods as they can exacerbate pain and discomfort. Eating ice or cold foods can help numb the area and reduce swelling.

3. Nutritional Support for Healing: To promote healing, ensure you are well-hydrated and consider incorporating foods rich in vitamins A and C, as well as zinc, which are known to support tissue repair. Foods like leafy greens, citrus fruits, nuts, and lean proteins can be beneficial. If you have specific dietary restrictions or concerns, it might be helpful to consult a nutritionist.

4. Color of the Healing Area: Once the biopsy site has healed, it may not match the surrounding mucosa exactly. Initially, it might appear red or slightly different in texture. Over time, it should blend in more with the surrounding tissue, but it may take several weeks for the color to normalize.

5. Saliva Management: It’s perfectly fine to spit out excess saliva if swallowing it causes discomfort. Keeping the area clean and dry can help with the healing process. If you find that saliva is excessively pooling, try to stay hydrated and sip water regularly to help manage it.

6. Impact of Upcoming Surgery: Regarding your upcoming surgery for the frenulum (the tissue under the tongue), it’s best to discuss this with your healthcare provider. Generally, if the biopsy site is healing well, it should not significantly impact the procedure. However, your doctor will be able to provide the best advice based on your specific situation.

7. Using B12 Medication: If your doctor has prescribed B12 to be taken sublingually (under the tongue), it’s important to avoid placing it directly on the biopsy site until it has healed. You can discuss with your doctor whether to wait until the area is less sensitive before using the B12.

8. Oral Hygiene: You can continue to brush your teeth, but be gentle around the biopsy site. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush can help minimize irritation. If your dentist has recommended a specific toothpaste, it’s best to follow their advice, but if you experience pain, you might want to switch to a milder option temporarily.

9. Medications: If you have been prescribed a hemostatic agent and are not experiencing bleeding, you may not need to take it. However, it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions regarding medications. If you are uncomfortable with taking multiple medications, discuss this with your healthcare provider to find a suitable regimen that addresses your needs without overwhelming you.

In conclusion, while the healing process can be uncomfortable, following these guidelines can help facilitate recovery. Always keep an open line of communication with your healthcare provider regarding any concerns or changes in your condition. Wishing you a smooth recovery!

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