Biopsy

Hi my partner had a mark on his back, recently change colour from pink to dark brown. We went to see dermatologist at the hospital. He said that 95% isn't cancer but still gave him biopsy appointment as urgent. Do you think the doctor gave us false hope? We done biopsy on Thursday(6.06). They said the results can come even in 5 weeks! How long results come for urgent biopsy? We are worry and I really find difficult to deal with situation and waiting time. Any experience with hospitals and skin biopsy?

  •  

    Hi Kasiek,

    I am sorry to hear about the marks on your partner's back. It sounds as if the doctor is pretty sure that it is not cancerous which is good news.

    I agree that 5 weeks is a long time to wait and, as you are already finding, it is a stressful time. The best thing that you can do is to distract yourselves by keeping busy.

    It sounds as if your partner's consultant is just being especially cautious by carrying out a biopsy, but he is better to be sure than sorry.

    I hope that this is still good news when the results come back. Keep in touch and let us know the outcome.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine  xx

  • Hi, thank you for reply.

    I'm trying not to panic but is so difficult. Could wait and called hospital yesterday and the Secretary was saying about 4 weeks is normal to wait for the result.

    Do yo think no news is a good news? 

    How long takes skin cancer to grow under the microscope? When I'm Google some people have a result as fast as a few days or in one week time...other says 10 days is max if is cancer.

    The waiting is so difficult especially when you have to stay positive and ensure other person that everything will be ok. 

    How you are supporting other person?

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    Hi Kasiek,

    I am one of the lucky ones in that I have had two bouts of primary breast cancer and have had my results back in less than a week.

    The results for different types of cancers take different lengths of time to come back. Hence your partner's 4 week estimate. Some people wait months.

    Sadly, we cannot take no news as good news. This is a question that many people ask in hope. If it takes 4 weeks to get a result then we cannot get  any answers until the results are back. 

    I agree that the waiting is torture. Try to distract yourselves by keeping busy doing pleasant things.

    Everyone reacts differently when faced with the possibility of a cancer diagnosis. Just be there for your partner.

    I sincerely hope that your doctor is correct and that there is nothing sinister there in the end.

    Thinking of you both.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

     

  • I could not wait. I am really panicking. I called yesterday to the hospital and PALS they have said no result as yet (Secretary called me back after a few hours) and also they've said that results coming quicker sometimes even a few hours later because cancer cells spreads rapidly....I think this the worst time in my life.

    How you dealing with it?

    How I can support my partner? It is so difficult especially we have 5 yr old son and holiday ahead on the 25th! 

  • Hi . I understand exactly how you are feeling. We are going through a similar situation. The waiting is the only thing we can think about, not able to sleep or plan. I hope you get some news soon and that it is good. 

    Love to you all. Christine

  •  

    Hi Kasiek,

    I feel for you both. We have all been in your position at least once, some of us several times.

    I am glad to hear that you phoned the hospital again and were reassured that the length of your wait is normal, even though it is terrifying. It is especially difficult when you have a young son.

    Five year olds can pick up on the fact that something is wrong. They also have big ears. I presume that you have decided not to tell him anything until you know for certain what you are dealing with. Be very careful if he is around that he doesn't pick up on the vibes between you and your partner or overhear something that he shouldn't.

    Can you accompany your partner to all of his appointments? This supports him and doesn't require him to relay all the details of his visit to you afterwards. It also keeps you in the loop as to exactly what is happening.


    While you are waiting for his appointment why don't you both draw up a list of the questions you want to ask when you see the dermatologist? Take this with you to your appointment and make sure that you get answers to all of your questions.

    It sounds as if your Dermatologist is fairly sure that this is nothing sinister and I sincerely hope that he is right.

    Stay strong.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hi, 

    Glad you writing to me. Is so difficult especially when you have to act and stay positive for other person. Good to know that someone understand 

    People around saying that every day without the call is good news as if is really bad they will call asap. I try to believe it. 10 days from biopsy now ...

    Keep well all of you 

    Please let me know about yourself and when and how you find out.

  • Hi Kasiek,

    I had a mole removed from my back 2 weeks ago and I'm still waiting for news too. It's not very nice to be left in the dark, but I'm staying active here in the forum which helps me a lot.

    I know you feel anxious about it and it's difficult to switch off, but I find it useful to stay busy and avoid Googling about skin cancer. I have been talking openly about it with my friends and discovered some of them had moles removed in the past too.

    How is your partner doing?

    Take care

  • Hi, 

    He Is really depressed and do not believe that is a big chance that is not a skin cancer ( as doctor said he doesn't think it is ). So is very down. I'm trying to occupy him as much as I can but most of the time he is looking on the mark and asking I looks better.

    Stitches after biopsy going out on Friday... Will be another awful day.

    How long you need to wait? What doctor said to you before removing moles? 

  • In my case I have been looking at this mole for months if not years. I finally asked the GP to look at it and then the dermatologist. They both said the borders and colours looked suspicious and needed to be removed and sent for biopsy. The dermatology consultant and the doctor who removed it both said they would be surprised if the result came bad, but I also think they will always try to calm you down.

    However, I know it won't be helpful and healthy for me to be depressed and expecting the worst, so I'm doing my best to stay busy. My girlfriend doesn't live here, so I live alone. I'm 35, no children. Coming to the forum and chatting with others that are in the same situation has helped a lot.

    Removing the stitches was fine. I removed 10 days later, as the nurse looked at it after 7 days and said I should wait another 2 days.

    The results have arrived at the hospital, but the consultant or a nurse still have to check them and give me a call.