Good evening
I had an ultrasound about 3 weeks ago and I was told I had a dark nodule on my thyroid, 2 biopsies were taken immediately, I waited just under 2 weeks for my results to come back and now I have got to wait 2 and a half weeks for my folliw up, could the results still be cancer or is this wait too long to be anything serious?
Many thanks
Hi Mushpea
Thanks for getting in touch. My name’s Louise, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
People often ask why tests are carried out urgently only to have to wait to find out the results. Waiting for results can be worrying, and many people wonder what these timeframes might mean.
Getting tests and results can take a few weeks. After tests such as biopsies are carried out they are examined in a lab and a report of the results is made. This can take around 2 weeks. These results are then discussed at a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting which tends to take place weekly.
After the MDT meeting you will be called back to clinic for the follow-up appointment. Again, this can take around 2 weeks. This process is standard and applies to any results, even those that don’t show cancer.
As we don’t have access to medical records here on the support line we would always encourage people to contact their healthcare team with any questions or concerns. Your consultant can be reached via the medical secretaries, who can be contacted via the main hospital number (switchboard).
It’s important to look after yourself. I can see you have joined the thyroid cancer forum on here. I hope you are finding this helpful people. You can find other similar types of support from Thyroid UK. You can also find support in your area.
It might also help to talk to us. One of our nurses would be happy to talk things through.
Best wishes
Louise
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us.
Ref: LR/CF
