Tonsil biopsy

A tonsil biopsy is a surgical procedure using a needle or scalpel to remove a small amount of tissue from the tonsil for inspection under a microscope. It helps to identify abnormal cells and growths, but as with any invasive procedure, there are possible risks such as infection and bleeding. This procedure is done in a surgical operating room.

Because variant CJD (vCJD) is the only form of CJD to involve the lymph nodes, spleen, tonsil and appendix, the tonsil biopsy is a diagnostic test for vCJD. We only recommend a tonsil biopsy if vCJD is being considered in the differential diagnosis, as this test is not helpful for any other form of prion disease. A negative tonsil biopsy result, however, does not rule out a diagnosis of vCJD.

For a tonsil biopsy, special precautions to prevent the spread of prions must be taken in the operating room. Usually, the equipment used for the procedure is destroyed by incineration. For more information, please refer your doctor to the UCSF Infection Control Website.

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