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Confusing discharge letter

Bonita007
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Hi all My relative was found to have cysts, masses and fibroids and has been offered full hysterectomy. Doctors did not tell them they have cancer but discharge letter states ‘likely ovarian cancer’ in one paragraph. The final page of the letter states, ‘conclusion: large ovarian cancer’. Doctors told my relative they’ll test the masses for cancer after the hysterectomy because they’re not sure. My question is, do they have cancer or not? and shouldn’t they have told them verbally than writing it down? Lastly, is it fair they’ve been discharged home to wait for hysterectomy in 28 days while cysts etc continue to grow? I’m really worried and would appreciate your input. Thank you.

Parents
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    Hi Bonita,

    I am sorry to hear about this confusion and the worry that it is causing you and your relative. First of all, I must say that I am not a doctor, but hope that I can help to clarify this conundrum. Scans can diagnose a mass, but cannot detect whether it is cancerous or benign. Because of the size of this mass and possibly of the appearance, a biopsy is needed to be certain. After the mass is removed, it will be sent to pathology and tested. Your relative should get the results back within 1-2 weeks and it is only then that the doctors can be sure that it is cancer.

    I agree that this has been badly handled, as this should have been explained, before your relative saw it in writing. There is a big demand for this type of surgery and waiting times vary throughout the country. Surgeons do prioritize where necessary. I suspect that 28 days is within the normal time frame. I sincerely hope that all lesions prove to be benign.

    Please keep in touch and let us know the outcome. We are always here for both of you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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    Hi Bonita,

    I am sorry to hear about this confusion and the worry that it is causing you and your relative. First of all, I must say that I am not a doctor, but hope that I can help to clarify this conundrum. Scans can diagnose a mass, but cannot detect whether it is cancerous or benign. Because of the size of this mass and possibly of the appearance, a biopsy is needed to be certain. After the mass is removed, it will be sent to pathology and tested. Your relative should get the results back within 1-2 weeks and it is only then that the doctors can be sure that it is cancer.

    I agree that this has been badly handled, as this should have been explained, before your relative saw it in writing. There is a big demand for this type of surgery and waiting times vary throughout the country. Surgeons do prioritize where necessary. I suspect that 28 days is within the normal time frame. I sincerely hope that all lesions prove to be benign.

    Please keep in touch and let us know the outcome. We are always here for both of you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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