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How long is normal to wait for Biopsy results ???

June
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Hi, this is the first time i've sent a post on here, but i've read more than a few and have already found comfort to know there's someone to talk to. I've had a mammogram and ultrasound which both say i have a 'lump' and two lymph nodes are enlarged. I had a biopsy last Tuesday, they said the results would be 2 - 3 days but it's now over a week ago !! I phoned yesterday but they said when they have the results they'll let me know. I have pains in my back and am scared it might have spread there - or that could be stress? - but I just don't know. I first went to my doctor 5 weeks ago and haven't told anyone, except my husband, as I want to be able to answer my mum and sister's questions in a positive way. But I just don't know.

Also does anyone know if they can tell if it's spread just by the biopsy? They did a 'fine' needle biopsy under my arm, aswell as the four 'larger needle' biopsy on my breast. Would appreciate any help out there, I'm trying to keep positive but it's taking so much time, and I can think of nothing else.

Thanks, June

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    Hi I had found a lump in my breast a month that ago I had a biopsy done a week today I'm still waiting on the results they told me a few weeks they think it's my glands that r swollen I had a scan done and a biopsy the lump is still there I am stressing out about all this so I know how u feel
  • Offline in reply to HeatherM

    Hi, I work in histology/pathology. The time scale for USC biopsy (urgent suspected cancer) is 5 days. For larger specimens it is 8 days.

    What can prolong these is if the consultant needs and further special stains or immuno work done to assist the identification. Where that is the case, the MDT (multi disciplinary team) meeting would know. Therefore the GP would be able to inform the patient of this. In Wales there is a system called Indigo which any GP can access. People think they can’t, and I spend ages letting them know this. Any queries let me know.

  • Offline in reply to chrishc

    Hi I am new to this but need some advice, I had a Biopsy done 2 weeks ago 15/08/18 I havent had the results back yet so I phoned the clinic.  The Secretary said that they were having a meeting on Monday to discuss my case and would then contact me, Is this normal and is it something to worry about ?

  • Offline in reply to lynsey886

    This is normal procedure. I went a month between appointments when waiting for results if that helps. 

  • Offline in reply to rileyroo

    Iv been waiting nearly 6 weeks

  • Offline in reply to chrishc

    Hi, 

    newbie approaching...

    I have been told my skin biopsy is back, after 8 days, but they have requested more stains and a supplementary report will follow. What does this mean? I haven’t had original report, as they can’t tell me over phone, but have sent it yesterday to my GP. Thanks 

  • Offline in reply to lucyloo1

     

    Hi Lucyloo,

    Welcome to our forum, although I'm sorry for the reason that has brought you here. I expect that you'll get your results from your GP on Monday. Waiting for results is always stressful and you don't want to wait a minute longer than you have to to get them. Why not phone your GP on Monday moring and ask if s/he has received them yet?

    I am not very au fait with skin cancers, but I expect that the reason that more stains were requested was because some results were not as clear as they could be. This happens quite a lot, so don't worry yourself unecessarily about it. The only problem is that it possibly means that you will not get an accurate diagnosis until the results of the additional stains are back.

    Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

Reply
  • Offline in reply to lucyloo1

     

    Hi Lucyloo,

    Welcome to our forum, although I'm sorry for the reason that has brought you here. I expect that you'll get your results from your GP on Monday. Waiting for results is always stressful and you don't want to wait a minute longer than you have to to get them. Why not phone your GP on Monday moring and ask if s/he has received them yet?

    I am not very au fait with skin cancers, but I expect that the reason that more stains were requested was because some results were not as clear as they could be. This happens quite a lot, so don't worry yourself unecessarily about it. The only problem is that it possibly means that you will not get an accurate diagnosis until the results of the additional stains are back.

    Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

Children
  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Thank you for replying. I will contact my GP on Monday, but may not get any answers before Christmas. Trying not to focus on this and just enjoy the holidays with my family. The punch biopsy was right on the bridge of my nose, so didn’t look great. But after antibiotics and bio oil is looking loads better. 

    Thanks again. X

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