I had a punch biopsy on a skin lesion 6 weeks ago. I was told I'd get the results by letter to my GP but I've now received a clinic appointment in a couple of days time.
I've been hanging about on this forum since 2011 and I've noticed a few things about the way results are given to patients: There are numerous examples of patients being told they'll get their results one way, only to receive them by a completely different route, whether the results are good or bad. There are also consultants who always want to see their patients to give them results, whether or not they're good or bad; I think this is because the consultant wants to be on hand to answer any follow up questions, or maybe because there may be some other (non cancer) condition that might need more follow up. I've also received appointment letters giving me an appointment at some point in the future, when I've known for certain that the letter was sent before the results are ready. In one case, I'd just come home after an MRI to find an appointment letter waiting for me.
I also think (and this is a little mean of me) that there many hospital staff members who don't really know how results are handled after they've done their bit, but that doesn't stop them speculating. An MRI operator is more concerned with getting good images for the radiologist, and less concerned about how the result is going to find its way to the patient. But if you have an MRI and ask the operator how you'll get the result, then you'll get an answer - which might be right or wrong.
Finally, in my part of the world, my GP has computer access to all my hospital results as soon as they're ready for the consultant. I've found out my results from my GP sometimes weeks before I've received a hospital letter.
