Awaiting biopsy

Hi all,

I was just wondering if this is something I need to be concerned about?

I'm awaiting a lymph node excision with tonsillectomy. It was put through as urgent but unfortunately it has been delayed due to them wanting me to have a 24hr ECG first. I was originally under haematology for this. However, it was my neurologist who did an MRI of my brain and neck that picked up on the nodes and referred me to ENT for biopsy. 

Just before this happened, my haematologist did some bloods to look for lymphoma cells? i can't remember specifically what it was called but it was very specialised and took a while to come back. This was in January, a week before ENT agreed the biopsy. 


My haematologists secretary just called me to ask why I haven't had the biopsy yet, and I explained the above. I asked if my consultant could speak to me regarding the blood results, and she said he wants to wait until after the biopsy. She asked me to call them when I've finally had it to let them know, and then she said it'll probably go to an MDT anyways. 


Should I be concerned? Or is this normal procedure? Many thanks for any help xx

  • HI elfzx,

    It must be a rather anxious time for you as you are awaiting this lymph node excision with tonsillectomy and I can imagine it must all be a bit confusing for you at the moment. I am afraid I am not sure myself whether this is standard procedure but it sounds like your consultant wants to have the results of the biopsy first as these combined with the blood test results will enable him to have all the pieces of the puzzle in order to tell you what is going on exactly. So I think unfortunately all you can do is wait - and that is really the hardest thing - and do what the secretary said and call them once you have had the biopsy to let them know. If you are concerned, don't hesitate to ring the secretary again and to ask whether this is the normal procedure in a situation like yours. 

    I hope that you get some clarity on all this very soon and that it all turns out to be nothing to be concerned about. Hopefully there will be other members who will have been through a similar process before who will be happy to share their experience with you and if you wanted to give our cancer nurses a call and talk things through with them, you can get in touch with them on this free number 0808 800 4040 - the helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm (but closed bank holiday Monday)

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator