DefinitionA tongue biopsy is surgery to remove a piece of the tongue for examination under a microscope.Alternative NamesBiopsy - tongueHow the test is performedA tongue biopsy can be done using a needle. After numbing the area, the health care provider gently sticks the needle into the tongue and removes a tiny piece of tissue.Some types of tongue biopsies remove a thin slice of tissue. Others are done under general anesthesia (asleep and no pain) so that larger areas, such as lesion, growth, or other abnormal area of the tongue, may be removed and examined. See also: Surgical excisionHow to prepare for the testYou may be told not to eat or drink anything for several hours before the test.How the test will feelA needle biopsy is often somewhat uncomfortable even with use of an anesthetic,