Brother waiting for test results to see if he has mesothelioma. Been told it will take 10 - 14 days. Is this normal?

My brother is awaiting test results in the fluid that they drained during an appointment at hospital after ct and xray. The doctor said he's 90 % sure that is mesothelioma but are waiting on the results of the fluid drained off to see if has cancer cell. That was last Friday 13th. Now Wednesday 18th. I thought that they'd be rushed through and back by now but after chasing them up,  the nurse said they take 10 to 14 days to come back! Is this normal when awaiting for cancer diagnosis? I thought that they had to rush it though.  He and all the family are devastated and desperate for the results. Can anyone help and advise please? 

  • Hello Salsrobbo

    I'm sorry to hear that your brother is currently waiting for test results to determine if he has mesothelioma. It's natural that you're all anxious and worried about this. 

    The information that the nurse has given you about results taking 10-14 days does sound about usual for some test results to be returned. Unfortunately, even when samples are processed urgently, it can still take some time for results to be returned. 

    We know that for many people this period of waiting and uncertainty can be difficult. It can sometimes help to talk with someone about how you're feeling and I wonder if you might find it useful to talk things through with one of our nurses ahead of your brother receiving his results. I know they will be happy to offer any advice, information and support they can. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040.

    Hopefully you will have some answers soon Salsrobbo. Do keep in touch and let us know how he gets on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Thank you Jennifer so much for all of that. Yes, I'll give the number a call as all the family are getting so upset.

    Kindest regards Sally 

  • My husband was diagnosed with Mesothelioma in June last year - it took from April until the middle of June before the diagnosis was confirmed - he had a biopsy following a PET Scan & the results from the biopsy took 4 weeks as they had to be sent elsewhere for further testing.  I hope you get the results soon because the waiting is awful.  

  • Thank you so much redone71 for you reply and information . Yes I am shocked to hear that it took so long for the diagnosis etc. Thats terrible! We're waiting first to see if the drained fluid contains cancer cells. Of so they say he'll go straight to oncology but if not he'll have a biopsy first. 

    Please may I ask what treatment they are giving your husband? My brother at the.moment has been scared by the thought of chemotherapy and said that he won't have it. I'm not sure at the moment if its possible to operate but I think it would be difficult to do?

    I also want to say that I hope that he is getting the treatment and that its helping him x

  • My husband was offered immunotherapy - unfortunately it didn’t work for him - he had 9 sessions & developed  severe colitis which hospitalised him & his   cancer grew so this was stopped.  He then had vhemo which caused severe kidney injury.  He is due a scan on 3 October & his oncologist has told him if the chemo hasn’t worked he can possibly join a clinical trial in Manchester.  I’m sorry I can’t give better news but I am sure there are people who the treatment is being more successful for.

  • Redone71. I'm so sorry that the treatment has not worked so far and caused further injury.  Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience so far. It must be so hard.  I wish you and you husband and family only the best. Kindest regards 

  • Thank you for your kind thoughts.  I hope things go well for your brother & the results turn out not to be Mesothelioma.  If you need any information or advice at all don’t hesitate to contact. All the best.