8 biopsies taken and still no results back after two weeks!

I have been having stomach issues for months and via an emergency ultrasound liver lesions were found and polyps. I was put on a cancer pathway and I was referred for an endoscopy, amongst other imaging scans. The endoscopy was incredibly painful even though I was sedated and they took so many biopsies! 8 to be precise.  

The report said the oesophagus was normal and the duodenum but stomach lining was deformed and other deformity. I was told I'd be called back in two weeks for a follow up but I have not been called. My question is if cancer isn't suspected is it normal for so many biopsies to be taken? And if it is the Big C would I be called earlier? Is no news good news?! I'm freaking out here! 

A

 

  • Hi there,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. It's not really possible to read anything into waiting times - it doesn't mean anything in particular, and unfortunately at the moment waiting times are longer than usual. However if you were told you'd be called back within two weeks and it's gone past that, you can always call your doctor or the hospital to chase it up.

    As for the number of biopsies, I'm not really able to advise on that but I should imagine they were just doing what they needed to do to be sure.

    I hope you're able to find out more soon.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Thank you for your response and the welcome. I guess I've just been feeling anxious as haven't really been given much to go on at all. All I can do is wait, stay calm and be positive.