Upcomming appointment to discuss results

Hi, 

I'm new to the forum, I hope it is OK to ask this question here, apologies if I have posted in the wrong section but I am hoping a nurse may be familiar with the process. 

My mum has recently undergone some scans after some "unexpected" results from an ENT biopsy. She now has a review appointment coming up at the same department to discuss results.

Is this likely to indicate that whatever the issue is, it's related to ENT? Or is she simply having the review there because it was that department that ordered the scans?

The reason I ask is because my mum was successfully treated for melanoma 12 years ago. The consultant did suggest that a recurrence of melanoma is one of the possible outcomes. He did say that if this was the case, mum would be treated by a different department because obviously that is outside the scope of ear nose and throat.

I am curious that if this was the case, would she be immediately referred to the relevant department to have the results discussed or would they discuss the results of the scans with her first, and THEN refer her to the relevant department?

I hope this makes sense? Essentially, does the fact that mum is returning to the ENT department indicate that it is likely an issue that would need to be treated by them?

Thank you

 

  • I might be wrong but i think it's the department who organise the tests who give you your results and then you are referred to the department who will treat you. I'm not sure if this is the same with all cancers but if a cancer does return in a different place in the body then it is still considered the same cancer - e.g. cancer in your lung that is a recurrence of breast cancer is still breast cancer. At least you know the results are going to be discussed at the review and then your mum will be referred or not depending on what was found x

  • Hello and thanks for your post

    I’m not completely sure what will happen when your mum is seen at the hospital. Individual hospitals may vary in the way their patients receive their results.

    However, it’s more usual that your mum will be given her results at the ENT clinic. If they suspect her melanoma has recurred they will refer her to the dermatology ( skin specialist). I’m not sure if this will happen on the same day but they will advise her further on this.

    I can appreciate that you want to get as much information as you can before you go to the hospital, but unfortunately it is not possible to anticipate what they are going to tell her.

    I know waiting to find out more is never easy but I’m afraid there is no real way round this. Some people find talking it through with family and friends and keeping busy can sometimes help. But until you both know more it’s natural to worry.

    I hope you know more about your mum’s situation soon. Give us a ring if you want to talk anything over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards,

    Celene

  • Hi Celene, 

    Thank you for your quick and thoughtful response. I appreciate your insight. The waiting and not knowing has been very difficult but mum's appointment is first thing tomorrow so we should know more soon.

    Thanks again