Post Nasal Space (PNS) Biopsy What is a PNS biopsy? A PNS (also known as the nasopharynx) biopsy is usually a clinic procedure done to obtain small tissue samples to look for suspicious cells. This is a test to diagnose nose cancer (specifically, nasopharyngeal carcinoma).
What is the procedure like? There will be a numbing topical spray applied to both nostrils before the start of the procedure. Sometimes, the doctor may choose to use cotton pieces soaked in the numbing solution. These are then inserted and left inside the nose for a few minutes.
You will be sitting up during this procedure. A rigid nasoendoscope will be inserted into each nostril to allow the doctor to see the area of interest. The biopsy forceps is introduced into the other nostril to obtain the tissue for sampling. Either nostril will provide access to the post nasal space.
A few tissue samples will need to be collected.
The doctor will check to ensure that you do not have a nosebleed, before you can go home.