Hi there, my partner was diagnosed with tongue cancer on 14 May, hpv 16 positive. Since then he’s undergone two neck biopsies and a tongue and chest biopsy. We were told his case would be discussed at MDT finally today and treatment plan advised. Instead we’ve just been told they want another tongue biopsy. Can we request a different hospital as the last biopsy was taken there weeks ago and we were led to believe they had enough samples. It’s now over 2 months since initial referral and we are stuck again waiting to hear when a biopsy can be carried out and then another two weeks for results. This seems beyond cruel….has this happened to anyone else?
Hi OrlsMc welcome to our Community
So sorry to read about the cancer and the problems you are having. Of course you can request a second opinion but I fear that would delay things even more. I can assure you that a few weeks delay will make no difference. Personally the interval between my definitive diagnosis and the start of treatment was two months and seven years later I am here and well.
Have you asked why another biopsy has been requested?
The pathologist likely did have enough tissue to sample but the results have been inconclusive. It’s nobody’s fault.
Has your partner been allocated a clinical nurse specialist?
I would suggest you message them to see if they can throw any light on the delay.
Hope this helps.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
