Waiting for sigmoidoscopy results

Hi all, just looking for some reassurance if possible please. My husband had a sigmoidoscopy on 27th December due to regular rectal bleeding and loose stools. Although nothing was detected on screen, samples were taken for a biopsy. He has frequently chased for the results but I assume that due to the Christmas and bank holidays that these are taking a while. Yesterday he rang the hospital ward direct who checked his records and casually informed him that he is waiting for a letter from the oncologist team. This was a huge shock and he isn’t taking it too well as cancer has never been mentioned up until this point. My questions are:

- Is this a normal procedure after a sigmoidoscopy that oncology get involved regardless of the results?

- Surely a letter from oncology suggests that the results are nothing serious? I would imagine bad news would be given verbally?

- Was the hospital ward unprofessional in mentioning that oncology were involved as this has invoked panic that may be unnecessary?

 

Any feedback from anyone who has experienced something similar would be greatly appreciated. Waiting 4 weeks for biopsy results only to be told like it was no big deal and that we are waiting to hear from oncology has spun our minds into overdrive.

 

Thanks

M

 

 

  • Hi Mlum99,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat.

    Our members have a lot of experience and knowledge, so hopefully they'll be able to provide their feedback. In the meantime, you can speak to our team of nurses on the free phone number 0808 800 4040 from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. They'll be able to help you understand the procedure your husband will go through after the sigmoidoscopy.

    All the best,

    Moderator Anastasia 

  • Hi mlum99,

    some individuals within the hospitals are not aware of the process and make certain things they say sound a lot more ominous than they really are. 

    When I had mine I was sat down straight afterwards by the endoscopic and explained the results. I would imagine if it was something serious they would have informed by now and you would have left with a follow up plan.

    taking samples for biopsies is completely normal - it is to check the mucosal lining of the colon. There is a certain condition my gastroenterologist mentioned (can’t remember) but mainly affects females. 

    The endoscopic will be lookin g for polyps and if your husband was watching the screen he most likely would know through seeing or hearing what the endoscopist was doing during the procedure.

    if I were you - call your gp as they should have the results. They get sent back - but really in these cases - no news is good news.

    god bless and all the best to you and your hubby!

    best.

    C.

  • hi mlum99

    hooe you are well

    may I ask what happened with your husband and the results. My husband is currently waiting on biopsy results also. He has rectal bleeding, bloating and a change in stall habits, he’s had a sigmoidoscopy last week and they found no polyps or growths. They did say his bowel is inflamed though. I’m worried sick that they have still took biopsy’s though and need to know what will happen next. 

    Many thanks