Hi sorry if this is not the right place.
I had a two lumps found (by CT scan of lungs) in January. I had a biopsy and was told they were fibroadenoma. They were going to remove but with covid this was delayed until September (as I am CEV). So had a lumpectomy on 28th September. I was due my follow up appointment tomorrow. However, I had a call today to say my pathology hasn't been discussed yet and they moved it to next Friday. My husband is adamant that this is a bad sign. Does pathology normally take so long? Why do they need to discuss it? The surgeon did talk about 'diagnostic suprise'
Hi I had an auxiliary clearance on 30th September and was told that my results would take 3 weeks but they have to discuss it in their meeting which they have once a week. So it maybe that the pathology results came in after they had the meeting so it missed this week and therefore goes to next week.
There’s a national shortage of pathology support so some tests are delayed, but it’s unlikely they’ve got it so wrong that waiting a few extra days will make any difference to your care. The waiting though… that’s the worst. I had to wait 15 days from my operation instead of the usual 10, but ultimately it doesn’t change things
Hi,
They need to discuss your case and results at an MDT, this is a meeting where their are different professionals involved and will include your Consultant, a breast Oncologist, Radiologist and a breast Nurse, no one professional can make decisions about an individual patient which is why they have an MDT and why they all discuss each case. The NICE guidelines state this should happen. It will benefit you as no one person is making the decision about your treatment. Diagnostic surprise, strange words but, it isn't unusual to get different results once pathology has examined the specimen, either way good or bad.
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007