Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy all clear yet they still took several biopsies.....

FormerMember
FormerMember
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Hi all,

I have had some abdominal pains and other issues which lead me to the 2 week pathway.

I have basically had 2 negative FIT tests (0-2 so undetectable) and importantly not anaemic at time of test - I have read that this pretty much rules you out for colon cancer based on it being under 10 AND being not anaemic as studies have show any 'false negatives' with FIT have had individuals who are anaemic. In terms of statistics this almost rules out colon cancer but because my pains persisted I was sent for a colonoscopy and gastroscopy - the reports on these tests state 'no cancer found but further investigations required'. 

My question is then - why on earth have they taken 10 biopsies (2 upper and 8 lower) when they haven't found anything. I can only conclude that although they haven't found cancer that the Doctor who did the tests has seen something super suspicious and is just not telling me. The nurse told me if it was bad news today then the Doctor would be talking to me in a room and not me/nurse on the ward and that they do biopsies to stop you having another procedure - but why when there was no cancer found???

More minor things they did find - UPPER; hernia/gastritis/barrett's oesophagus........LOWER; mild diverticulosis/small haemorrhoid.

I'm now very confused. They have found things wrong with me but all minor compared to anything sinister. I'm now worried sick as my 'perception' of a colonoscopy for instance is that they find nothing untoward then they 'release you'...........my other perception is they don't take biopsies unless something looks very dodgy!

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated by people who probably know far than me on these topics.

  • Hi 

    I have been around the forum for quite a few years and it is really common to take biopsy’s just to be certain . Although they do a visual assessment they like to have the science side to back it up .

    If it’s any consolation a large percentage of people having colonoscopies are told there and then that they are suspicious of having cancer .

    But that doesn’t mean they won’t want to treat your other issues ,

    It sounds good news and I hope the pain settles .

    Take care ,

    Court 

    Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to court

    So if something looks suspicious do they normally communicate that? I just thought it was odd that I've been kept on 2 week pathway that's all.

    Thanks for your reply. 

  • Hi ,

    I think if it’s pretty obvious they sometimes do confirm their suspicions. Certainly a lot of people do report that ,

    I think they would have a duty of care for other conditions of the colon too. Part of their good clinical practice,

    My sister had biopsies done of inflammation in her colon but it was not cancer . 

    Also sending much love to your children ! You have been through a lot . 
    Hope they are doing ok !

    Take special care ,

    court 

    Helpline Number 0808 808 0000