How do you get results of a biopsy?

I'm going insane awaiting biopsy results!  I had them done in a private hospital but through the NHS. 

I didn't ask how I'd get the results or when but I can't get it all out of my head. Will I get a letter or a phone call? How long is the wait? It's now 5 days since the aspiration. 
 

thanks  

  • Hi Emma-j

    There seems now to be long delays on biopsy results due to a lack of trained personnel.  After 5 days it's unlikely that your results are ready yet.  

    The usual way to get the results is to call you in for a consultation - whether or not the news is good or bad. I think it's done this way because even with a clear result, there may well be questions you want to ask, and/or information and guidance that the doctors want to give you. 

    Sometimes, you might get a letter through the post, but this seems to be quite rare.  That said, I did receive results of a CT scan through the post a few months back so it's not unheard of. 

    However, when the results are eventually ready, your GP may be able to access them and give you them in advance.  I certainly learned of the results of a CT scan this way, before I was officially told. 

  • Thanks. I may try the GP next week then if I don't hear anything. The wait is awful!
     

    I wish I'd asked more questions when I was there - I think I was just shocked and wanted to get away!