Results by letter from Biopsy - what is this a sign of?

Hi all,

So I had a breast needle biospy on the 27 November, hadn't heard anything so called them yesterday to find out that my results were with the Doctor who was due to be writing to me yesterday.  When I probed the receptionist further she said that she couldn't comment on the case of course, but that normally they would have called me by now to come in to get my results and that she couldn't see that any follow-up had been requested. 

In a way, I am calmer that it isn't anything desperately urgent - but would forum members have experience of receiving results by letter which showed cancer or something more serious.  My understanding from reading people's experiences is that they would always call you in to give such news?

any advice appreciated. 

  • Hi nahdiak786,

    To be honest I am not completely sure, although if others here have relevant experience then hopefully they'll be along soon. Either way it sounds like you will be finding out more soon from the doctor, and you should have the opportunity to discuss the results with them and to ask any questions you have.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Most hospitals in the UK call you in whatever the results show. This is best practice as we all have questions to ask - even good news makes us ask "are you sure?".

    NHS patients are now waiting longer on average to be diagnosed than they were ten years ago. So keep  pestering them until you get your appointment. 

    Good luck

    Dave

     

  • Hi Both, 

    So I called the clinic and they told me that my result hadn't even been seen by the MDT meeting as it had to be postponed last week! I just couldn't handle the wait anymore and said it's been nearly three weeks. 

    They realised I was so anxious that they then had  my consultants secretary call me. Which she did, and said to that the result had come back benign.  She said that the result will still go to the MDT as it was hospital process for all biopsy to be discussed at MDT. 

    I would then be written to. After so much confusion and mixed messages, I will only believe the benign result when I get the letter.  She said following the meeting which was today they would be in touch.  Considering that it's taken them 2 weeks to send me a letter today just conforming to my GP that I was being sent for an ultrasound (which then ended up being a core needle biopsy) I'm not holding out that this letter will come soon. Just more waiting and anxiety, I even made her repeat the answer to me 3 times as this has been such w stressful experience. 

    Feel so sad today and upset that so many of us go through this gruelling experience.