Bone Biopsy - Follow up.

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I have recently been diagnosed with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the submandibular gland. Yesterday i underwent a biopsy of the jaw bone. I understand that this is to establish the scope of the surgery required and to see if the bone has been infiltrated. I am trying to find out how long it takes to get results for this type of bone biopsy which included both hard biopsy and bone marrow. Seemingly it takes longer that the previous biopsy. Can anyone tell me the duration of the biopsy results?

UPDATE!!!

Ok, the good news is that there is no sign of cancer in the bone. The bad news is that I have no trust in my doctor. The last test I had was the bone biopsy. Once they ruled out bone infiltration they set a date for the 13th of July for a neck dissection. This afternoon I had a pre-op appointment and also a chat with the surgeon doing the op. This was only the 2nd time I have had a chat with him. He started off my asking about my heart attack. I explained that i have never had a heart attack. He looked puzzled and checked his notes. He then went on to explain the surgery and the risks involved. Then he mentioned that he might have to do a double dissection as "There seems to be a lump on the right hand side as well". This is the first time that i had heard of this. I questioned this news as when I spoke to him the first time, just before the bone biopsy, he had not mentioned this and I have had no further tests since then. The said that the neck MRI and the CT scan were "in conflict". Both of these were done some time ago and I am gobsmacked that I have never been told of this possible additional issue.

This is the latest complication in a long road on miscommunication and wrong diagnosis's. I am pondering my options.

  • Hi Brian

    I've not had any experience of that type of biopsy, I've had some "standard" soft tissue biopsies which normally take around 2 weeks to turn around.  The length of time may depend not on the type of biopsy but on when it is done and the results made available so that if there is a cancer it can be fully discussed in the MDT.  These are normally once a week so if the results come in just after that meeting then there could be an extra week.  As you have been diagnosed I am assuming you have a CNS ( maybe known as a Macmillan nurse) allocated to you??  Give them a ring and they should be able to give a better time frame.

    Peter
    See my profile for more details of my convoluted journey
  • Hi Brian, Peter is spot on. Your results will have to be discussed by your MultiDisciplinary Team. Give your CNS a ring.

    Dani 

    Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

    I BLOGGED MY TREATMENT 

    Macmillan Support Line -  0808 808 00 00 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

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  • Yeh I spoke to her earlier today. The MDT team meet every Friday, so I expect to hear something next week.

  • Good luck Brian. let us know how you get on and best wishes.

    ACC has it's own section HERE if you want to look through and there are a few posts in the last year in the Head and Neck forum HERE

    Dani 

    Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

    I BLOGGED MY TREATMENT 

    Macmillan Support Line -  0808 808 00 00 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

    Community Champion badge