Mouth cancer biopsy results

My partner recently had a biopsy for a white lump on her gum.

she has underlying health conditions that make it extremely difficult for her to attend appointments so it was agreed she could have a telephone appointment to discuss the results on 18th September.

the dental hospital called today to say the telephone appointment had been changed to a face to face appointment for the same date.

we are now sick with worry that it’s likely to be bad news.

Is it normal for appointments to be changed like this ?

  • The next appointment is quite some time away I think if it was anything serious they would call you or bring your appointment up. This is what the ENT secretary told me when I was waiting for results. 

  • Hello and thank you for your post.

    I am sorry to hear about your partner's situation I can appreciate that this could be a worry for you both.

    Having a face-to-face appointment does not mean that someone will be told that they have cancer necessarily. 

    During the pandemic, many appointments were carried out by telephone or video call. Now doctors tend to want to go back to how things were and see patients face-to-face if it is possible.  Please do not read anything about how your appointment is held.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Yours sincerely,

    Caroline