Waiting for diagnosis from neck biopsy

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Hi I hope someone can help. I've had biopsy on my neck on lymph node. They said results within 2 weeks. It's now been 7 weeks and still haven't any results I've called a couple of time recently and getting that the samples have been sent and nothing else. I'm not coping all that well I'm trying to stay positive the waiting is horrendous. The whole testing not just biopsy of blood test all together have been 7 months of waiting and still none the wiser. Has anyone else had similar?

  • Hi  and welcome to the Macmillan Community but so sorry to hear about your ongoing diagnosis.

    Navigating the cancer journey can indeed be such a stressful and challenging time.

    I have been on my journey for over 25 years with 2 types or rare Non Hodgkins Lymphomas and over these years I have had a good number of biopsies including on my neck with the results taking anything from 4 weeks to 10 weeks to come back, in fact in 1999 when I was first diagnosed it took a full year and 6 different biopsies to find the truth…. some of my samples were sent to the USA!!!

    The delay most likely has been exacerbated but the Christmas and New Year holiday.

    This New to Community area is like our reception desk where we look to direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support.

    The Community is actually divided into dedicated Cancer Support Groups (Discussion Rooms)………… so once you have a clear diagnosis you can have a look through this link Cancer Specific Groups you will find all our dedicated cancer support groups listed.

    These groups are safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support from members who are navigating the exact same journey.

    The Macmillan Support Line is open between 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00…… this service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support or just a listening ear.

    Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.

    Mike (Thehighlander)

    It always seems impossible until its done - Nelson Mandela

    Community Champion Badge

  • Thankyou for replying. Wow such a long time yeah it does seem so  long. 

  • Many labs only do certain tests so it’s not that unusual for samples to be sent to other specialist centres….. but as you see this all takes time Rolling eyes

    Has there been any indication as to the suspected condition that is being looked at? ((Hugs))

    Mike (Thehighlander)

    It always seems impossible until its done - Nelson Mandela

    Community Champion Badge

  • Yeah I guessed it but I'm worried as they said 2 weeks so I guess it's because of extra testing. Possible lymphoma. 

  • The default turnaround time they often use for biopsies is 2-3 weeks but the reality can unfortunately be significantly different.…… and Consultants have no control over this…… so if they have no information they can’t give any clear indication as to what this is and as much as we push them they are in the hands of the lads.

    As I said I have/had 2 types of rare T-Cell Lymphomas….. the first one diagnosed in 1999 is 8 in a million and seen as incurable the other diagnosed in late 2013 was very aggressive and us 4 in a million ……. but I am 9+ years out from my last treatment, turned 69 last Nov and I am continuing to live a great life.

    If it is a type of Lymphoma the fact that there are over 60 types and sub-types of Lymphoma just makes the Diagnosis more complicated.

    We do have dedicated Lymphoma groups but until you get a clear diagnosis I suggest you stick to this discussion thread and I can help you out and answer any questions ((hugs))

    Mike (Thehighlander)

    It always seems impossible until its done - Nelson Mandela

    Community Champion Badge

  • Thankyou for your replies. Makes sense. I guess yeah there's alot to test to diagnose properly.

  • Hey hope you hear soon, can I ask whether it was performed under a local or general anaesthetic?  Many thanks.

  • Under local to be honest I wish it was under general. 

  • Thanks, mind me asking why as I have one planned tomorrow?

  • Hi again Chris  …… a another small step closer to getting these elusive answers.

    Mike (Thehighlander)

    It always seems impossible until its done - Nelson Mandela

    Community Champion Badge